Nissan to Open Design and Tech Centers in China for Local Brand

Nissan Motor Co. is opening separate design and engineering centers in Guangzhou next year to support its new China-specific Venucia brand, Reuters reports.

The news service says the projects will be built for a combined 500 million yuan ($81 million) by the company's Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle venture. The venture currently handles local design for both brands.

Nissan introduced Venucia two years ago to sell low-price cars for first-time buyers. The brand now has four models.

Dongfeng Nissan says the design and engineering centers and a planned corporate training facility will help Venucia cut costs and boost quality.