Nissan GB has announced plans for a specialist dealer network to handle its light commercial vehicle sales.

Mark Lovett, the carmaker’s LCV sales and marketing manager, wants to drive a 20% increase in LCV sales over last year’s 17,715 units.

“Nissan has the potential to become a top five player in the UK LCV market,” he says. “The next two years are vital for us if we are to achieve our ambitious growth targets.”

Since joining Nissan from alliance partner Renault at the start of this year, Lovett has established an LCV department of eight people, including dealer development and marketing staff, to manage all issues from fleet sales to vehicle conversions. The next phase in his plan is to appoint 50 LCV dealers by the end of 2007, operating from branded Nissan Commercial Vehicles dealerships.

Most are expected to be existing Nissan car retailers, though Navara pick-up will be the only LCV product still to be available in Nissan car showrooms.

In addition, Lovett is appointing 10 Volvo Truck dealers to sell the Interstar and Cabstar ranges under Nissan Truck Dealer branding in dedicated showroom sections. This is expected to increase to 15 outlets by 2009.

Lovett says: “Commercial vehicle buyers, whether business individuals or companies, have specific requirements, including the need for reliable service throughout the life of their vehicle.

The dealerships will be able to respond swiftly to these fleet needs.”