Nissan Motor Company, the renowned Japanese multinational car maker, has decided to roll out its ‘no-frills’ Datsun brand after 32 years in the auto markets of India, Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa. The global premiere of new Datsun comeback with new nameplate would be held in New Delhi sometime in July this year. The first Datsun models for the domestic car market are expected to bear price tags under Rs. 4 lakh.
Nissan Motor India Private Limited, a subsidiary of the Japanese car maker, is looking at augmenting its market share in the country. Therefore, the company is targeting affordable subcompact vehicle segment for introducing the Datsun brand in India. The low cost Datsun cars would compete against the likes of Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat in the domestic car market.
Among the first no-frills models for the Indian consumers, Nissan has lined up its Datsun K2 hatchback. The five-door K2 model would be powered by a 1.2 litre, 3-cylinder petrol power-mill borrowed from Nissan Micra. A diesel version could also be in the pipeline, but experts suggest that initially only petrol model of K2 would arrive in the Indian auto market. The company has claimed that its K2 model would be class leader in terms of space offering and fuel efficiency against its direct competition.
According to industry sources, Datsun models would be retailed through the Nissan dealerships in the country. However, the Japanese auto maker would open new Datsun stores in the cities that have no Nissan dealerships. Further, the first model could be launched in India sometime during the second half of 2014 calendar year. The introductory price tags are expected to be around Rs. 3 to 3.5 lakh.
Expressing his thoughts on the company entering the Indian automotive sector in the near future, Vincent Cobee, Vice President, Corporate, Datsun Business Unit, was quoted as saying, “India is a tough market and it’s not going to be a picnic for us, but we believe Datsun can crack it with modernity and a superior product.”
