RENAULT and Nissan have created their first cross-manufacturing plant for vans in Europe.

The two companies have started production of the Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar/Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro van range at Nissan's Barcelona plant, making the most of Renault's investment in a controlling stake in Nissan.

With joint investment of €240 million, this first Renault-Nissan alliance cross-manufacturing venture in Europe is part of a global strategy that has seen similar operations in Mexico and Brazil.

The Spanish site will produce up to 64,000 vans and the companies say that the operation also adds further synergies through joint light commercial vehicle production.

Nissan cross-badges three vehicles from Renault's LCV range in Europe – Kangoo, Trafic and Master.

Nissan cross-badges three vehicles from Renault's LCV range in Europe – Kangoo, Trafic and Master.

However, Renault and Nissan said although they were simply rebadging the same van, they would not adopt the same approach to their car ranges.

For example, the platform for the next Nissan Micra and Renault Clio is the same, but the cars will look completely different.