Nissan seems to be gearing up for the challenge posted by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai by reviving its low cost Datsun brand in India. Recently the company took the curtains off its Go hatchback, which will be aimed at budget oriented buyers. Nissan told that the car would make its headway start in India during the early phase of 2014. Datsun Go was unveiled earlier in 2013 and is expected to be priced under Rs. 4 lakh. After the launch of Go, the brand will mark its re-entry into the automotive sector after 32 years. With its Go hatchback, Nissan is aiming big in the Indian car market as it looks to gain sizeable market share owing to the aggressive pricing strategy. It must be noted that Go hatchback appears to be quite spacious and is believed to be longer than Nissan Micra.
In terms of engine configurations, Go shall come equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which also does duty on Micra. However, the power and torque outputs might be tuned for deriving a better fuel efficiency. The expected power figures for Go are ascertained to be around 60 bhp, which is respectable, considering Go as an entry level hatchback. During initial stages, Datsun Go would only be available in petrol version, whereas the diesel version will be introduced at a later stage. According to sources, with the entry of Datsun brand in India, Nissan Motor Company is aiming to acquire 10 per cent market share of India's passenger car segment by 2016.
Once Datsun launches Go in India, it will compete against segment movers like Maruti Suzuki 800 and Hyundai Eon. Sources are citing that the Indian bound model will be quite similar to the one unveiled by the company in 2013. Designed by Nissan on its V-platform, Go shall be produced at the Oragadam plant of the company. As indicated by the company, the base variant of Go shall carry a price tag of sub-Rs. 4 lakh. With the Datsun brand, Nissan now has 3 global brands under its influence. Reportedly, the Japanese car maker is taking Indian car market seriously as it plans to introduce 10 new vehicles till 2016. Out of those models, the future line-up of products shall include a new Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) named GO+. After the launch of Datsun Go, the hatchback will be placed below Nissan Micra Active.
Meanwhile, Nissan is thinking to tap into the potential of manufacturing cars in India and exporting them to other countries. Company officials have hinted that India could be used as a sourcing hub for components in other emerging markets. As told by them, the company is assessing all its options and shall make a decision accordingly.
Commenting on the chances of Datsun brand doing well in the country, industry experts are of view that cracking the Indian market is not an easy job for any foreign brand. So, at least during the initial stages, Datsun could find it tough, taking competitors in account. Also to mention, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are active towards bringing in new models in the Indian car market and this factor could play a crucial role in charting the route for Datsun in India. On the other hand, Vincent Cobee, Corporate Vice President of Nissan is optimistic about the performance of Datsun brand in India as he thinks that the products have been designed and developed in accordance with the taste and conditions of local people in India without compromising on the modern styling and technical performance.
