Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV), a business unit of Dongfeng Motor Co Ltd. (DFL), Nissan's JV with Dongfeng Motor Group of China, is to set up three new business units – the Venucia Design Centre, the Advanced Engineering Technology Centre and a Corporate University.

Venucia is DFL-PV's local Chinese marque and the first JV automotive brand in China to have a dedicated design centre and advanced engineering technology centre.

The first phase of main construction is expected to be completed in 2015. A groundbreaking ceremony was held today and was attended by executives of DFL-PV, Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., as well as local government leaders.

The total investment by DFL-PV for these business units is approximately RMB 500 million/Rs 493 crore. The Venucia Design Center will focus on the exterior and interior design, colour design, clay model and digital model development, intending to sharpen the design protocol of Venucia.

The Advanced Engineering Technology Center will be responsible for new model preparation, including homologation, prototype development and testing, as well as development of manufacturing technologies for future Venucia vehicles.

The Corporate University will provide training programs and an educational platform for DFL-PV's managerial, administrative and engineering staff, dealers and suppliers. The university will also collaborate with other academic institutions for hiring and training of young talent.

It is expected that these three major business units will strengthen DFL-PV's value chain, contributing to product competitiveness and, subsequently, sales. Additionally, these business units will help position DFL-PV to be on the cutting edge of the Chinese automotive industry with localised designs, advanced manufacturing technology and outstanding talent.

DFL-PV Managing Director Susumu Uchikoshi said, "Since the first Venucia model was introduced to the market in April 2012, Venucia has been one of the fastest growing domestic automobile brands in China. These three major centres will play key roles in improving DFL-PV's R&D and manufacturing capabilities. Investments in these centers are proof of our commitment to, and expectations for, the Venucia brand."

Photograph: On July 16, DFL-PV launched the R30, the fourth production model from its Venucia brand.