Mitsubishi Motors Corp & Nissan Motor Co Ltd. today announced they have signed an agreement under which Mitsubishi will supply Nissan with the next-generation eK WAGON mini-vehicle starting in the second half of fiscal year 2006.

The next-generation model will replace the current eK WAGON that Nissan receives from Mitsubishi under an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement signed in 2005. Nissan receives 36,000 units a year from the Japanese automaker and sells them under the Otti brand.

In addition to the eK WAGONs, Mitsubishi also supplies Nissan with 20,000 Minicab light commercial vehicles a year, which Nissan sells under the Clipper name.

The ongoing OEM agreement will enhance Nissan's ability to offer a product lineup that meets customer needs, while at the same time enhancing Mitsubishi's productivity through an increase in volume efficiency.