Nissan Motor Co. will establish its first global base in India to enhance efficiency in operations and services through digitalization, illustrating the Japanese carmaker's commitment to one of the world's major automobile markets.

Nissan says it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the southern Indian state of Kerala to set up the "Nissan Digital Hub." It plans to open similar hubs in other parts of Asia, Europe and North America.

At the planned digital hub, the carmaker headquartered in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, aims to develop business operation software and information technology solutions by utilizing accumulated data while boosting cybersecurity.

The digital initiative will allow Nissan to provide enhanced user experiences, product development capabilities, security and connectivity as the automotive industry evolves, with growing use of autonomous, connected and electric vehicle technology, according to the company.

Peyman Kargar, chairman of Nissan's Africa, Middle East and India region, said in a statement that its creation "reflects our commitment to this growing market and our belief in investing in India for the long term."

The hub in Kerala will help the company develop and maintain a talented workforce in-house to improve the way it serves customers around the world, said Tony Thomas, corporate vice president and chief information officer at Nissan.

Together with its alliance partner Renault SA, Nissan already has a large manufacturing plant outside Chennai, southern India, with a potential annual capacity of 480,000 vehicles for the domestic market and exports.

A global alliance research and development center, also in Chennai, employs 7,000 engineers working on projects, including vehicle and technology development. Nissan's sales arm for India is based in Gurgaon outside New Delhi. (NNA/Kyodo)