Nissan India is searching for an Indian partner to build its small car for the developing markets. The company is said to be in talks with Ashok Leyland, a part of Hinduja group, to develop its small car in India. “We are studying the possibility of tying up with Ashok Leyland and some other manufacturers in China and Indonesia for a small car project,” said Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Nissan & Renault at the Geneva Auto Show.
Nissan has recently unveiled Micra at the Geneva Auto Show 2010 which will be built on its new V-platform. The car will be built at four global locations including India, Thailand and may be China, Mexico or Brazil. The new small car Micra will be placed between low cost car and premium hatchback segment. The car is expected to compete with Maruti Alto, Wagon R, Chevy Beat, Ford Figo, Hyundai Santro and similar models in the Indian hatchback sub-compact car segment. The car is expected to be priced between Rs. 3.8 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh and will be available for Indian customers by May 2010.
Nissan already has a joint venture in India with Renault and Bajaj Auto to produce its ultra-cheap car which Bajaj claims to be on track. However, Nissan says that there are no fresh developments.
