Nissan, one of the world's leading automakers, has announced a new partnership with Bilia, Sweden's largest car dealership chain, to strengthen their collaboration and increase the sales of electric vehicles in the Nordic country.
The partnership, which was announced on May 4, 2023, will see Bilia become the exclusive retailer of Nissan's electric vehicles in Sweden, starting with the Nissan ARIYA, the brand's flagship crossover SUV that is expected to launch in Europe later this year.
The Nissan ARIYA is a highly anticipated model that promises to deliver a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge, a spacious and futuristic interior, and advanced features such as ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which enables hands-off driving on highways.
Bilia, which has been operating in Sweden since 1924, has a network of 140 facilities across the country, offering sales, service, and financing for various car brands. The company has been working with Nissan since 2017 when it acquired the Nissan dealership in Stockholm.
According to Nissan and Bilia, the new partnership will benefit both parties as well as Swedish consumers who are looking for more sustainable mobility options.
- For Nissan, the partnership will allow it to leverage Bilia's extensive customer base and expertise in the Swedish market, as well as its digital capabilities and online platforms, which have been growing rapidly during the pandemic.
- For Bilia, the partnership will enable it to expand its portfolio of electric vehicles and offer its customers more choices and services. Bilia has been investing in electrification and sustainability initiatives for several years, such as installing charging stations at its facilities and launching a subscription service for electric cars.
- For Swedish consumers, the partnership will provide them with easier access to Nissan's electric vehicles and a seamless customer journey from online to offline. Customers will be able to order their Nissan ARIYA online through Bilia's website or app and have it delivered to their home or a nearby Bilia facility. They will also be able to enjoy Bilia's after-sales services and support throughout their ownership.
The partnership between Nissan and Bilia is part of Nissan's strategy to accelerate its electrification plans in Europe and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company aims to sell more than 1 million electrified vehicles annually by 2023, with more than 50% of its sales in Europe being electric by then.
Nissan has been a pioneer in electric mobility since it launched the LEAF, the world's first mass-market electric car, in 2010. The Nissan LEAF has sold more than 500,000 units globally and remains one of Europe's most popular electric cars.
Björn Wahlström, Managing Director of Nissan Nordic Europe, said: "We are very excited about this new partnership with Bilia, which will help us reach more customers and deliver our promise of innovation and excitement for everyone. The 2023 Nissan ARIYA is a game-changer for Nissan and for the electric vehicle market, and we are confident that Bilia will be a great partner to introduce it to Swedish consumers."
Per Avander, CEO of Bilia Group, said: "We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Nissan and become their exclusive retailer of electric vehicles in Sweden. We share Nissan's vision of electrification and sustainability, and we are looking forward to offering our customers the best possible experience with the Nissan ARIYA and other future models. This partnership is a testament to our strong relationship with Nissan and our commitment to digitalization and innovation."
The partnership between Nissan and Bilia is expected to start on July 1, 2023. The price of the Nissan ARIYA in Sweden has not been announced yet, but it is estimated to be around $55,000 based on the European prices that were revealed last year.
