Nissan Motor Company said it will start building two passenger cars in Brazil for the first time as it seeks to boost its presence in emerging markets.

Japan's third-largest car maker will build the five-seat Nissan Livina and seven-seat Nissan Grand Livina, which will go on sale next year.

Nissan's announcement comes as domestic rival Suzuki Motor Corporation said it would re-enter Brazil's passenger car market in October, aiming to sell 7,000 Japan-made cars in the first year through a new distribution company.

Higher wages and cheaper credit have pushed up car demand in Brazil, which has become a major market for several international manufacturers.

The country's car market is dominated by global car makers such as Italy's Fiat, Germany's Volkswagen AG, US-based General Motors Corporation and Ford Motor Company, followed by Japanese and French manufacturers. - TradeArabia News Service