Japanese auto manufacturer Nissan and German auto manufacturer Mercedes-Benz may speak different languages in their home countries, but when it comes to engines, they seem to have a translator. The two companies joined two years ago in the Mercedes-Benz Renault-Nissan Alliance to develop new technologies. (Renault is a French car company which has been working with Nissan specifically on developing electric vehicles).  As far as the new initiative goes, it seems Nissan will be producing engines for Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder gasoline engines in 2014 at the Nissan plant in Tennessee, for its new luxury brand Infiniti's C-Class and various other Infiniti models.

Once full production is achieved, the plant will build up to 250k engines every year, which will then be shipped to an assembly plant in Alabama. This deal represents the first time Mercedes-Benz engines have ever been built in the U.S. The plant currently produces Nissan and Infiniti models that are built in America.

The collaborating companies have been very busy in past two years with projects such as Smart microcars, an entry-level city van that will be built by Renault in France, platform and powertrain sharing (mostly engines), and electric cars. They continue to work together due to decreased cost, easier access to materials, and the variety of new ideas that are shared when companies come together.

Stay tuned here with Crystal Nissan to learn more about the new technologies Nissan has to offer as they become available. Or, if you're more interested in driving your own new Nissan, stop by our dealership, located at 937 South Suncoast Blvd Homosassa, FL 34448.