Nissan is doing quite well in the country despite its limited number of model line-up in Indian car market. In May 2012, riding on its Sedan, Sunny and Hatchback, Micra, the car maker reported a sales volume of 3,138 units. For the month of May, the company marked a whooping 98 per cent YoY growth in terms of sales. Last year, in the month of May, the sales volume of the company stood at 1,588 cars.
Sunny, which is produced locally at Japanese car maker's Chennai plant, was released just previous year in the month of September. With a sales volume of 18,753 units till now, the award-winning sedan has generated major portion of sales figure for the company. The diesel variants in the country have been stable in their sales and have witnessed growth following the hike in the price of petrol.
Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Private Limited, Ishida Takayuki, said, “Despite the fact that the auto industry has been going through some uncertainty in view of the recent fuel price hike and general economic growth, our sales have remained strong. This performance has been supported by the strength and diversity of our model range. It will further expand with the launch of Evalia later in the year, and we are confident that our sales will continue to grow.”
Director, Marketing and Sales, Hover Automotive India (HAI)-sales and marketing partner to Nissan, Nitish Tipnis, said, “Despite the current challenging market, India remains of key strategic importance to Nissan and represents a significant opportunity for growth. By placing the customer at the heart of everything we do, Nissan is continuing to develop within the Indian market, increasing sales, growing our retail network and widening our product portfolio.”
Company's affordable and value focussed brand Datsun will be launched in the country by the year 2014, according to Nissan. This vintage brand is a critical part of Nissan Power 88 strategy for the Indian sub-continent. The Power 88 is a wide scale business plan spanning over 6 years and aims at boosting the company's expansion in new segments and markets. Cars with the badge of Datsun will be designed to fulfil the demands of the local customers. Datsun models will boast of cutting-edge technologies and will be produced locally. The Urban Utility Vehicle (UUV), Evalia from Nissan was exhibited at the 2012 Auto Expo as well in January. When its production starts at the Chennai plant by this year end, Evalia will add to the portfolio of Japanese car maker in the country.
