Nissan, the Japan based automaker that is highly speeding towards penetrating deeper into the Indian auto market, is endeavoring into introducing a car in the much demanded hatchback segment under its Datsun marquee in the country. The upcoming hatchback will be labeled just above Rs. 2 lakhs and is intended for the Datsun brand revival and poise at the high potent auto markets globally.
Mr. Takayuki Ishida, the newly recruited MD and CEO of Nissan Motors India Pvt. Ltd., said on this foray, "The Datsun cars will be launched around the second half of 2014, and we are targeting to showcase them at the Delhi Auto Expo at the beginning of the year. The pricing will be between Rs 2 lakhs and Rs 4 lakhs. This is the only way we can ensure that the cars are produced at a competitive price."
Nissan is initially considering the manufacturing of the cars branded under Datsun nameplate at its existing plant at Chennai and is planning to make multi-fold investments for the brand’s market stand and popularity with a view to hold around 50 percent share in the total sales volume of Nissan in India.
Mr. Ishida also commented on its cost economical front, saying, "While the development is being done by Nissan, we are seeking a lot of support from companies outside our fold for access to technology and keeping costs low."
The Datsun’s affordable hatchback will be positioned against the segment leader, Maruti Suzuki Alto and the highly trendy car that has become a rage among Indian buyers in a short span of time, Hyundai Eon.
