Diesel-powered Nissan Micra to hit Indian roads in December 2010

Bangalore, November 25, 2010: Nissan Motor India Private Ltd(NMIPL), following the successful commercial launch of the petrol variant of its first ‘Made-in-India compact hatchback –Nissan Micra-today announced that the diesel variant of Micra will hit Indian roads inDecember 2010. The Nationwide sales for the Diesel-powered Micra would commence fromDecember 10, 2010.The announcement was made by Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, NMIPL, Mr. Dinesh Jain–CEO,Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd (HAI) –the strategic alliance partner for Nissan in India, accompanied by other senior officials of Nissan and HAI.

Nissan Micra Diesel is a smart, global hatchback with an affable appearance and engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-competitive fuel efficiency. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl (as approved by ARAI), making it the best in its class.

Positioned in the B+ car segment, the Micra Diesel is powered with the popular 1.5litre Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan’s versatile ‘V’ platform.The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at47Kw (64PS) @ 4000 rpm, while torque outputis160Nm @ 2000 rpm.The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.5-litre engine to achieve brisk acceleration in city driving conditions. The engine is refined and very silent, thus well adapted for Indian conditions.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor Indiasaid,“The success of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce the Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micra with its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itself in the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are aware this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services”

Starting November 7, 2010,the Nissan dealerships across the country have already commenced the bookings for the Diesel powered Micra. A comprehensive multimedia ad campaign (T.V., Radio, Print and Digital) has also been launched to support this activity.

Says Mr. Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India,“Ever since we launched the petrol variant in July, we have been flooded with enquiries for Micra Diesel. I am confident that the Diesel-powered Micra, is a good value proposition and a desirable option to choose from, for the Indian customers during this season. We are elated with the initial response the pre-order bookings have generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch. We keenly look forward to replicate the success of the petrol variant with the Diesel-powered Micra. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched nationwide with a comprehensive multi-media marketing campaign featuring our brand Ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. We will also be using some non-conventional forms of media to maximize the product visibility and increase sales.”

Nissan Micra Diesel is born out of the need to simplify the city chaos and enrich the urban driving experience. It is areliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly carfor people who enjoy everyday driving. The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra will be available in two variants of XVand XV (premium).Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be marketed and sold in India and subsequently will be exported to South Africa next year.

In July this year, Nissan launched the petrol variant of its first made in India global compact car –Nissan Micra (Global compact hatchback), based on the Versatile ‘V’ platform at its factory in Oragadam, Chennai. Since the sales began on July 15, 2010, the company has sold over 5000 units of Micra. With the soon-to-be launched Micra Diesel, Nissan will add another variant to its product kitty to cater to its Customers’ choice.

Mr Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan Motor India (Centre) at a press conference in Bangalore on November 25, 2010 to announce the start of sales of the Micra Diesel. (L to R) Mr Gary Kirby, Assistant Chief Vehicle Engineer of Small Cars , Nissan R&D Centre in India (RNTBCI), Mr Satoshi Matsutomi, VP- Product Planning & Program Management Office, Nissan Motor India, Mr Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India and Mr Manoj Kumar, VP Operations, Hover Automotive India (Nissan’s strategic alliance partner for sales, marketing, dealer development, after sales and CRM in India) also addressed the media.

Mr Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan Motor India (left) and Mr Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India at a press conference in Bangalore on November 25, 2010 to announce the start of sales of the Micra Diesel.

Unique Proposition

The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra is equipped with some key technological innovations, which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. The Micra Diesel offers first-in-its-class Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror.

Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information and cruising range. In addition, the driver power windows are fitted with ‘one touch up/down’ feature along with a pinch guard.

Design

A unique design feature of this car is the double-layer integrated grille,which provides a stylish and sophisticated look to the car, yet maintaining a classical shape. There is also a stylized version of the distinctive arched side window line, something that is central to the Micra’s heritage, identity and appeal.

Compact Exteriors

Retaining its compact dimensions, the Nissan Micra measures 3780mm in length, 1665mm in widthand1525mm in height.The longer wheelbase (2450mm)enables a ‘wheels-at-each-corner’ stance – the main reason behind the Micra’s roomier interiors. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a clearly defined purpose too. The efforts of Nissan’s Global Production Engineering Centre also make it the lightest (XV – 992kgs, XV Premium – 1008kgs)yet sturdy hatchback in its segment. This has been achieved in numerous ways by reducing number of components and using newer manufacturing and material processing techniques. The XV premium variant of Diesel-powered Micra also comes with an added attraction of 15-inch alloy wheels and Body colored roof spoiler.

The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra with a top speed of 158kmph is also equipped with a class competitive boot space of 251 litres that can easily carry those extra bags of shopping during travel.

Roomy and Practical Interiors

Aiming to match the same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a ‘connected cocoon’ design featuring a dashboard design, which takes on a ‘twin bubble’ theme. This refers to the circular instrumentation panel and the similarly shaped glove box compartment on the passenger side. Special attention has been paid to use of materials on the instrumental panel by using Micro-grain technology. This reduces the plasticky feeling and improves productivity by ensuring quality and finish for visual and tactile appeal.

Ride and Handling

Nissan engineers have taken meticulous effort to develop the ride and handling characteristics of the car that is a perfect mix of agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan's new signature V-platform, the compact design of the suspension minimizes intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at the expense of the car's on-road dynamics. The front MacPherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam provide excellent cushioning effect, reducing fatigue during long journeys. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption, ensuring that the Micra will ride smoothly over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Comfort and Convenience

In contrast to its high-speed capability, the car also has superb visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.65m.It is equipped withseveral new technologies that assist with minimizing C0 2 emissions and mileage while at the same time enabling easy maneuverability.

Safety

In the area of safety technology, Nissan pursues innovation as part of its “Safety Shield” concept, an advanced, proactive approach to safety issues based on the idea that cars should help protect people. The incorporation of the ‘V-platform’ is one major factor contributing to the car's improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, owing to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell.The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fitted with a standard safety equipment of Driver Airbag across both its variants.

CUSTOMER CARE AND SERVICE SCHEMES

The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra comes with a standard manufacturers’ warranty of 2 years/50,000kms (whichever is earlier). In order to understand customer needs and resolve their queries, Nissan has established‘Nissan Care’ – A Customer Contact Centre.Customers can reach Nissan by dialing Toll-free No 1800-209-4080or alternatively by writing an email to customercare.hai@email.nissan.in

As part of its after-sales commitment, in an effort to handhold the customers and provide them with round-the-clock assistance, Nissan is introducing a host of customer care and service schemes including Extended Warranty and Roadside Assistancefor its products starting with the Micra.

Micra Specifications:

Micra Features:

Grade		XV	XV Premium
Engine		Diesel
Exterior	Roof Antenna
	Body Coloured Bumpers
	Full Wheel Covers
	Rear Wash & Wipe
	Body Coloured Outside Door Mirrors
	Body Coloured Outside Door & Tailgate Handles
	Body Coloured Roof Spoiler
	Chrome Radiator Grille
	14 inch Steel Wheels
	15 Inch Alloy Wheels
	Rear Defogger
	Electric Park and Fold Door Mirrors
	Electric Door Mirrors Adjustment
Interior	Drive Computer
	Cup Holders	3	3
	Bottle Holders	2	2
	Digital Clock
	Adjustable Front Headrests
	Tachometer
	Parcel Shelf
	Dashboard Integrated Audio System With 4 Speakers & Aux-In Port
	Manual AC with Filter
	Auto Air Conditioning with Filter
	Interior Colour Scheme- Greige
	Leather Wrap Steering Wheel and Gear Knob
Comfort & Convenience	Power Steering
	Steering Tilt Adjustment
	Luggage Lamp
	Power Windows: Front and Rear
	Driver Side Front Window With Autodown & Anti-Pinch Function
	Central Door Lock
	Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
Safety	Engine Immobilizer
	Driver Airbag
	Front Fog Lamps

ABOUT NISSAN MOTOR INDIA PVT. LTD.

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL), a 100% subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited Japan, was incorporated in 2005 with a vision of ‘Enriching People’s Lives’ through latest Nissan Technology and products. Chennai is a strategic hub for production, R&D and exports for Nissan. In February 2008, Nissan, together with its global alliance partner Renault signed a MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu to set up a manufacturing plant at Oragadam, near Chennai with an investment of Rs. 45 billion over a period of 7 years. On March 17, 2010, the Renault-Nissan alliance plant was inaugurated in a record time of 21 months since its groundbreaking ceremony in June 2008. The Plant has an initial capacity of 2,00,000 units per year and can reach 4,00,000 units per year in full capacity in the future.

NMIPL existing range of products include the X-Trail (SUV model), the Teana (luxury Sedan) and 370Z (iconic sports car) – all three imported from Japan as CBU (completely built units). The launch of the first locally made global compact hatchback (Nissan Micra) in July 2010 marks the serious foray into the mass market by Nissan in India. From October 2010, NMIPL began exports to more than 100 countries including Europe, Middle East and Africa.

NMIPL has appointed Hover Automotive India (HAI) as their exclusive strategic alliance partner to handle sales and marketing, dealer development, customer relationship management and after sales in India. The company has 20 dealers operational in major cities across the country and aims to have more than 100 dealers by 2013.

In line with its global philosophy of corporate sustainability, NMIPL has already begun its commitment to make a meaningful contribution to the community. As part of its rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives, the plant has already completed constructing 16 residential homes for relocated families from construction site, apart from constructing local Police Station and fire service station in the Oragadam village. The plant has also constructed a Government high school at Oragadam, which was inaugurated by the local ministry and officials. The school, with the Noon Meal Centre facility, has been constructed at a cost of ` 2.8 crores and can accommodate up to 1000 students. At the corporate level, NMIPL has also partnered with ‘Habitat for Humanity’ for providing shelter to 75 families by constructing homes for the socially and economically less fortunate section of the society.

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