Nissan is seeking the views of key fleet customers and contract hire companies at an exclusive preview at this week's Fleet Show of the new Primera - one of the last cars to be developed by the Japanese company devoid of influence from Renault.

Nissan insists Renault has had no influence on the car's design and there has been no component sharing, unlike the new Micra due for launch in the UK in 2005 which will be built on a jointly developed Nissan/Renault platform.

Renault has a 36.8% stake in Nissan.

The car was shipped to the Alexandra Palace from Japan for the three-day Fleet Show that started yesterday and its appearance is seen as a mark of how importantly Nissan views the UK fleet market. It expects 70% of sales of the car to be in fleet.

A spokesman said: "The new Primera went on sale in Japan in January of this year and will be significantly re-engineered to cater for our different motoring tastes before production starts at Sunderland at the end of this year.

"At this stage because the car is still so far from its UK market introduction, Nissan is being understandably sketchy about UK pricing and range line-up."

Nissan has confirmed that at launch there will be a four-door saloon and estate version, with five-door following later. The power units will include at least a 1.8, 2.0-litre and 2.2 diesel unit. There are also suggestions Nissan will introduce a common rail variant.

The car will be available with with 5-speed and six-speed transmissions together with the option of Nissan's Hypertronic CVT-M6 box giving the driver the choice of automatic or manual gear selection.

The list of in-car features will include a DVD-based navigation system, rear view camera and adaptive cruise control.

Nissan introduces common advertising standard for dealers

Nissan has recently launched a common ad branding programme for its dealerships, seen as particularly important as the company prepares to "refresh" its range over the next five years.

Local advertising by franchised dealers now matches that of Nissan UK's nationwide ad campaigns. A spokesman said: "It's in the dealer's interest that all our advertising looks the same and comes at a time when we're preparing to launch into the 4x4 segment with the X- Trail - out in October - then the Primera in March, followed by the Z Car sports car in 2003 and the new Micra in 2005."

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