Datsun to sell vehicles directly through Nissan in India

Mumbai, November 26, 2013: The Datsun Go, the under-Rs 400,000 hatchback that Nissan plans to launch in early 2014, will be sold directly through Nissan Motor in India. Vincent Cobee, global head of Datsun, said: “Selling the Datsun Go and future Datsun models through Nissan Motor represents a natural evolution of the company’s operations in India, which are well recognised in the market. We are excited about launching the iconic Datsun brand in India and look forward to bringing a growing range of bespoke, locally-produced products and high level services to our customers.”

The Datsun Go had its global unveiling on July 15 in Delhi. According to Cobee, an expanded model range will follow the introduction of the Datsun Go, a hatchback model that received positive reviews when it was revealed to the press and public earlier this year.

Datsun will work primarily with existing dealer investors who have already demonstrated high capabilities and commitment to the Nissan brand in recent years, the company said in a statement. This arrangement will in particular allow Datsun to rapidly establish a top-quality, expansive retail network and open the brand to a large segment of the potential market straight from the initial launch. Nissan sells its Micra, Sunny and Evalia models through Hover Automotive.

The Go is based on an original platform not shared with Renault. It will be a five-door, front- wheel-drive hatchback powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Nissan took two to three years to develop the car with a team of 15 to 20 people working on it initially in Japan.

According to a source, Nissan plans to produce 115,000 units of the Go in the first year of production. That translates to about 9,000 units a month. The car’s trial production is likely to begin in January.

The Go will be the entry-level model for consumers to get into the Nissan family. It will have to race against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Hyundai Santro. The Alto (800cc and 1- litre variants) sells around 17,000 units a month, while the Santro’s monthly sales average is 3,000 units.