Datsun, a Nissan Motor Co. brand designing vehicles for high-growth markets, today announced that it is set to return to South Africa. The first model to be introduced in South Africa will be a new passenger vehicle that will be launched by the end of 2014.

In November 2009, the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Bajaj Auto Ltd. announced their intention to partner on the development of an innovative new four-wheel product for the Indian and other emerging markets.

Today the project took another step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two partners. The signing of the MOU follows discussions between both partners to define the product, manufacturing plan and distribution agreements.

As stated when the project was confirmed in November, the design, engineering, manufacturing and supply-base expertise to create this all-new product will be executed by Bajaj with the support of the Alliance. The marketing and distribution will be led by the Alliance, with the support of Bajaj. There has been no change to this structure originally agreed between both partners.

One of the earliest areas for Renault and Nissan to explore at the start of the Alliance was how best to share powertrains, something we have become rather good at with huge savings for both companies as a result.

So what is an Alliance, or common, powertrain?

On Tuesday, Carlos Ghosn spoke at the Detroit Economic Club. In a moderated Q&A with Dan Howes from The Detroit News, Ghosn covered three broad themes: the consolidation trends driving the industry, the shift towards sustainable (zero emission) mobility and the opportunities presented by emerging markets.

On consolidation, Ghosn spoke about the major forces that are creating the next wave of tie-ups among the automakers. First, if manufacturers are to develop the vast and complex range of technologies that are required to be legally compliant (emission regulations etc) and be appealing to consumers, footing that investment bill across the largest scale will inevitably drive competitiveness.

On Tuesday, May 25th Alliance Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, will be appearing at the Detroit Economic Club in Detroit, MI. The event, which takes place at midday at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit, will be a discussion on topics  including the consolidation trends of the global auto industry, the growth and importance of emerging markets, the outlook for the industry post-crisis and the development of electric vehicles and their role in the future of mobility.

The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was formed in 1934 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. The DEC continues to provide a platform for distinguished international dignitaries and business leaders, who represent the changing global environment.  The DEC is proud to have hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon.