Japanese car-maker Nissan has been a strong brand in the local market. Amidst strong competition in the local market, the car-maker has planned to launch vehicles across diverse segments to gain a strong footing in India. Nissan had launched the Datsun Go hatchback earlier this year, which has been selling successfully. The company is also chalking out a plan to work on launching its internationally popular 'Leaf' electric car in India.
Infinity has been a luxury brand for Nissan in the international market. This time around Nissan intends on launching the Infinity brand for the local market as well. Moreover, the company is also reportedly working on setting-up fully functional assembly units in India for the luxury brand. Andy Palmer, Nissan's chief planning officer, said, “It is inevitable that Infiniti will come to India. But it needs to be when we have got the right products and the bandwidth to be able to do it. So it is not immediately round the corner but I am pretty sure that it will happen.”
Recently, Infinity had showcased Q30 hatchback and the QX30 crossover concepts that are expected to make it to the international markets sometime in 2015. As per sources, these models are also likely to be launched in the domestic market. Speaking more on local assembly operational perspective, Palmer added, “It is logical and practically mandatory. Import duty in India is high and this makes it unrealistic to import.”
The luxury car market in India is relatively small, but it is indeed growing at a steady pace. Currently popular luxury car brands like BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes Benz account for about 40,000 unit sales annually.
Source: TOI
