In December, 2001, Louis Schweitzer, Renault Chairman and CEO, and Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO, opened the new LCV assembly plant built on Renault's industrial complex in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, Parana, Brazil. The new plant was designed to assemble the Renault Master van from year-end 2001 and began production of the Nissan's Frontier pickup in May 2002.

In September 2002, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan) and DongFeng Motor Corporation (Dongfeng) signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in China. A new company was formed with each party owning a 50 percent equity stake. The new company incorporated Dongfeng's buses, trucks and commercial vehicles, in addition to a full range of Nissan passenger vehicles. The company began operation in July 2003. Later in March 2007, Nissan and Dongfeng announced that they would reinforce their light commercial vehicle (LCV) business in the Chinese market through the joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Company Limited (DFL), the largest automotive joint venture in China and work in collaboration with Zhengzhou Nissan Automotive Company (ZNA) to realise the long term opportunities in China. As the primary development base for Nissan-branded LCVs, ZNA is further expected to contribute to the strong growth of Nissan-branded LCVs in China. Dongfeng Automotive Company (DFAC) will continue to hold a 51% stake in ZNA in order to maximize value creation through both brands whereas DFL will give support to ZNA in areas such as research and development, manufacturing and sales in order to maximize the synergy of the two brands.

In March 2003, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced a basic agreement through which Mitsubishi Motors would supply its "Minicab", mini-commercial vehicle to Nissan on an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) basis. This product has been selling under the Clipper name since October 2003. In April 2007, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. sought to expand their OEM agreements in the LCV area as a part of a larger OEM understanding. Under the expanded OEM agreement, Mitsubishi would supply Nissan with the “TOWNBOX” minicar and Nissan would supply Mitsubishi with the “AD and AD Expert”. This was the first time that Nissan would supply vehicles to Mitsubishi. Both companies were able to improve productivity through expanded economies of scale, and offer their respective customers a wider range of products.

In January, 2005, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Mazda Motor Corp. signed an agreement to continue Nissan's OEM supply of LCVs to Mazda. Since 1994, Nissan has been supplying the AD Van to Mazda, which badges it as the Familia Van. Based on this agreement, supply of the next-generation AD Van to Mazda commenced in the second half of 2006. In January 2007, Nissan and Renault Trucks S.A.S., a unit of the Volvo Group, signed a Supply Agreement to start Nissan's OEM supply of light duty truck (LDT) to Renault Trucks in Europe. The LDT vehicle supplied is based on the next generation F24 Nissan Cabstar and Atlas.

As part of its commitment to create the improved, fuel efficient and eco friendly vehicles of the future, Nissan in 2005, entered into a collaboration with German conglomerate ZF for manufacturing hybrid technology systems. As a first, the Cabstar Hybrid prototype was presented at the Hanover Motor Show in 2006. The two companies continue to develop the technology with a view to possible future production of Nissan Hybrid LCVs.

As part of its plan to enhance the LCV business in Europe, Nissan entered into a series of national agreements with Volvo Trucks Dealers in 2006 and 2007. Nissan offers them the Nissan franchise to sell the higher end of its LCV line up (Interstar, Cabstar and Atleon) thus enhancing sales networks where needed with highly professional dealers who can deliver high quality post sales services and maintenance to Nissan's growing ranks of LCV customers.

In October 2007, Ashok Leyland of India and Nissan signed a Master Cooperation Agreement to form three joint venture companies for manufacture of LCVs in India. Manufacturing facilities would be located in India and the JV companies were to be set up on an overall balanced 50/50 partnership between Ashok Leyland and Nissan. The three JV companies for the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) business in India for vehicle manufacturing, powertrain manufacturing and technology development were signed in May 2008. Production is set to begin in 2010-11 and will include the new generation Nissan Atlas F24 light-duty truck, in addition to a range of products covering applications from 2.5 to 8 ton gross vehicle weight (GVW).

Later in September 2008, the Nissan LCV project signed a MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu for acquiring 380 acres to locate the facilities of the joint venture companies at Pillaipakkam, 40 kms off Chennai. The working of these companies has already been initiated and the joint venture is on course to roll out the first vehicle by 2010-2011. Exports are expected to account for 20% of the first phase capacity of 100,000 LCVs.

In July 2008, the Renault-Nissan alliance confirmed the launch of a new manufacturing project in South Africa after Nissan’s manufacturing plant at Rosslyn was identified as having the potential to maximize synergies between Renault and Nissan. Renault and Nissan will invest 1 billion rand (80 million euros) in the project to adapt two cars to the South African market (e.g. right-hand drive), prepare the plant, and develop the local components and accessories supply chain. A new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 and Renault Sandero are to be produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant (Pretoria). Production of the new Nissan half-ton Pickup NP200 has already started in the plant.  The production of Renault Sandero will start in 2009.