Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan is set to execute its plans to make India its regional hub for producing and exporting mini-vans to nearby countries. These mini-vans will be produced by Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles, its Indian tie-up.
Nissan's executive vice president Andy Palmer conveyed "We will launch the passenger-carrying vehicle or the mini-van if you prefer, some time next year. We will produce around 55,000 units. We wish to export 20 per cent of this to nearby markets."
Since there is no dedicated facility for the proposed production, it will be produced at Renault-Nissan’s automotive unit in the country for the time being. Palmer said that as soon as Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicle unit is structured, the production will be shifted to the new location.
About 1.25-tonne goods carrier is given the name of “Dost” which will be sold solely by Ashok Leyland through its own network.
Palmer further added that the company sold 850,000 units in the previous year and expects to sell one million units over a period of next two years. The company aims to be the world’s largest producer of light-commercial vehicle along with its alliance partners, by 2016.
