Nissan appoints Hover Auto as partner

Under the service provision agreement, Hover will undertake the implementation of Nissan's marketing and sales strategy, and support dealer development in India, with the aim of establishing 55 dealers by 2012.

"India is a strategic market for the future of Nissan. Not only is there tremendous potential, but Nissan is well positioned to play a key role by delivering attractive, affordable vehicles to Indian consumers. Hover is a strategic partner that offers the necessary sales, marketing and dealer development expertise to ensure our success in India," said Carlos Tavares, executive vice president, Nissan Motors.

Hover's activities will complement those of Nissan Motor India, which will continue to undertake overall business management in India, including corporate planning, product planning and distribution.

Growing Nissan's distribution footprint from the current 5 to 55 dealers will extend Nissan's presence to all major cities to achieve at least 80 percent market coverage. Each Nissan dealership will comply with the global Nissan brand and retail standards in terms of design and customer service.

By 2012, Nissan expects to sell more than 100,000 vehicles in India. The growth will come from an aggressive product offensive ranging from entry-level cars, sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs and family utility vehicles to light commercial vehicles.

In addition to the current X-TRAIL and Teana, Nissan will launch eight new models by 2012, four of which will be locally manufactured. The next product to be introduced to India will be the popular Murano crossover, scheduled for launch in 2009.