Nissan the Japanese car maker has decided to introduce an entry-level small car in the Indian automobile market. The car, which is scheduled to be launched by 2014, will be developed jointly with Ashok Leyland.
Nissan and Ashok Leyland are already into a joint venture for producing light commercial vehicles for Indian market. Ashok Leyland earlier had mentioned that it will restrict its association with Nissan only to commercial vehicles. At the 82nd Geneva Motor Show, Andy Palmer, Nissan Motor Executive Vice-President told PTI, “We are working on multiple options of price-entry vehicles for the Indian market. One of them is being developed with engineering department of Ashok Leyland. This car will be launched around 2014.”
According to him, the small car will come with a price tag of Rs. 2 lacs to Rs. 4 lacs. He however did not mention anything regarding the engine and other technical specifications of this small car. At present Micra is the only small car launched by the Japanese manufacturer, which is available within a price range of Rs. 4.14 lacs and Rs. 6.26 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Nissan provides the Micra in both diesel and petrol variants but regarding the variants of the new small car, no details have been provided from the company’s side.
