Jan. 22, 2007 (China Knowledge) – Volvo AB may replace Nissan Motor Co. as Dongfeng Motor Group Co.’s partner in the manufacturing of commercial vehicles, announced Dongfeng in a press release.

The joint venture is likely as Volvo is looking to invest in Dongfeng Motor Co., a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Group and Nissan. However, Nissan will remain as Dongfeng Motor’s partner in the manufacturing of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Last year, Volvo bought Nissan's remaining stake in Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Japan's fourth largest truckmaker, as the Tokyo-based automaker opted to focus on smaller vehicles.

DaimlerChrysler AG, Volvo and other foreign truckmakers are targeting China, the world's second-largest auto market, as growth will likely cause commercial vehicle sales to rise at least 10% a year as vehicle sales in North America slows.