Expecting the Datsun to be a game changer in India, the Japanese car maker Nissan is planning to launch it early 2014. The Datsun brand was unveiled by the company in India in March 2012. As per reports, it will be customised for Indian roads. Mitsuhiko Yamashita, one of the members on the Nissan directorial board commented, “We expect Datsun to be a game-changer for Nissan in India.”
He further added that Nissan was making enough investments for Datsun brand in the country and expects it to be the main contender for the company in the low-cost segment, which is presently ruled by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai India. The car, which will be manufactured in India, may also be exported in the near future.
Yamashita participated at the International Transport Forum’s 2012 Summit held at Leipzig in Germany along with many other industry leaders. Transport ministers and senior industry representatives were also present in the summit where issues regarding Seamless Transport were discussed.
Yamashita further added, “We do understand we are a late entrant in a competitive market like India. But we are here for the long haul. Datsun cars will be made in India for India and R&D is being done in full swing to custom-make a car for India. We are making significant investments for Nissan for the Datsun line of cars because strategically India is a very important market for Nissan.”
The Japanese car maker owned the Datsun brand since 1934. However, it discontinued the heritage brand in 1981, as part of a global strategy, in order to bring all the models under the umbrella of Nissan brand. However, to establish itself in a 'vibrant market like India', Nissan is reviving its Datsun brand.
As per company reports, Datsun cars will carry introductory prices of Rs. 3 lacs to Rs. 4 lacs. Those who find it difficult to go for high-quality cars would benefit from the Datsun brand. Reliability has always been the strength associated with the vintage brand.
Renault has joined hands with Nissan motors to explore the Indian market. The partnership owns a manufacturing facility near Chennai which manufactures Micra, Pulse, Sunny and Fluence.
