Nissan to study models before launch

Nissan Motor India has said it will study the local market before taking a call on launching cars that will be priced below its entry level hatchback Micra range models.

“We are studying all market requirements and will introduce products appropriately. There are no concrete plans yet for such an introduction. Our aim is to be present in all segments in India,” Nissan Motor India Managing Director and CEO Takayuki Ishida told PTI. Ishida was responding to a query on whether Nissan was looking to introduce a model that is priced lower than its Micra range — which costs between Rs 4,21,765 and Rs 6,41,558 (Ex showroom Delhi).

Ishida said the company plans to introduce one to two models every year in the Indian market.

"We are studying the demands and needs of the Indian customer and will prioritise the type of vehicle to be introduced," Ishida added.

Nissan India launched its first locally made global compact hatchback Micra in July 2010, marking its foray into mass market segment. The company, which sold over 30,000 units in previous fiscal now aims to ramp up its sales in the current financial year.

"We sold 33,000 units in 2011 fiscal. We are aiming to double this number in the current fiscal," Ishida said. The company currently has 74 dealerships across the country. It plans to have 100 by the end of the current financial year. Nissan, which sells various models including Micra, Sunny and X-Trail, is looking to further enhance its portfolio in the country with the launch of a new model --'Evalia' next month. "We are looking to launch Evalia just before the festive season, that is our idea. With Evalia, we would be entering a new segment," Ishida said. He added the company is positioning seven seater Evalia in a completely new segment called urban-class utility vehicle. "With its impressive space, superior fuel efficiency, and comfortable drivability, the Evalia aims to give an enjoyable experience for the urban-class families," Ishida said. Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Nissan Motor Ltd Japan, was incorporated in 2005.