Nissan India, a unit of Japan based leading car maker Nissan Motors, has started market study and model positioning work for its upcoming small car in the Indian market. The car will be positioned below its latest Micra hatchback and would be shelved in the price segment of sub Rs 3 lakh. The new Nissan small car will be competing with the likes of Maruti Wagon R, A-Star and Zen-Estilo, Hyundai i10, Chevrolet Beat and Tata Indica.
Earlier, the company was in talks with India’s leading commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland for joint development of this small car, but now the company has decided to go solo as Ashok Leyland’s promoter Hinduja group hasn’t shown much interest in the project.
“We will not rule out any options, including doing it alone or through an alliance. We will pick up the best plan. Ashok Leyland was one of the potential players for the car project. Globally we are a very flexible company where there is a need for an alliance we do it and where it does not we go solo,” said Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan India.
The new small car holds grater significance for the company not only in India but also in the global market. So far, the company imports A-Star from Maruti Suzuki India and sells it as Nissan Pixo, in the European countries. The launch of a new small car may eventually end this contract.
The Nissan Micra Diesel
