ROLLE, SWITZERLAND--Nissan is searching for corporate PR agency support for across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

The automotive giant issued a brief for the business earlier this month, and has narrowed its search to four firms. An agency source involved in the process estimated fee income at "upwards of £200K".

The Holmes Report understands that the brief focuses on the goal of making Nissan "the number one Asian brand in Europe". 

Nissan GM of corporate and brand communications Fernando Menezes told the Holmes Report that he is looking for an agency to support the company on corporate communications. Only firms with capabilities across the various regions are being considered.

The search will not, however, impact Nissan’s local market agency relationships at its 20 offices across the region in question.

The review marks Nissan’s first search for agency support at a corporate level across the EMEA region. The brief covers strategic communications and media relations, with a particular focus on establishing the carmaker's leadership credentials in terms of zero-emission vehicles.

There is also major internal comms component, which calls for Nissan's current approach - termed "reactive" to shift to a more proactive effort. In addition, the automotive giant is hoping to improve its digital engagement capabilities.

Last year, Nissan restructured its comms operation, integrating it with marketing under the leadership of Yokohama-based CVP Simon Sproule.