Nissan explores India market potential for X-Trail, Qashqai and Juke SUVs

In a bid to make a comeback in the fast-growing Indian passenger vehicle market, Nissan Motor India has kicked off a feasibility study to bring in its range of global SUVs in the domestic market. This initiative is part of the company's wide-ranging study for the next phase of brand’s growth in the country. 

The company on Tuesday showcased the X-Trail, Qashqai and Juke SUVs in New Delhi. Nissan Motor India has begun testing the X-Trail and Qashqai and is also showcasing the Juke to assess their suitability for the rapidly evolving Indian consumer base.

Focusing specifically on their adaptability to Indian roads and different terrains, the tests will assess each vehicle's ability to meet customers' needs. Starting this month, the three SUVs are being put through their paces by Nissan’s top engineers on the roads that surround the company’s manufacturing plant in Chennai, the company said in a statement. 

Frank Torres, President, Nissan India, said: “Following the success of the Nissan Magnite in India, we plan to strengthen our focus and leverage our expertise on high-quality SUVs. Once the testing is over, the Nissan X-Trail will be the first model to be introduced for sale in the country.”

Over the coming weeks, Nissan will be identifying the feasibility of models from its global portfolio for the future potential vehicle line-up in India. 

These vehicle assessments are part of a larger study that Nissan is undertaking to prepare for its future in India. The wide-ranging review also includes securing future localised production for the long-term viability of domestic and export manufacturing, as well as exploring the potential for electrification in the longer term. 

“The success of the Nissan Magnite has shown what’s possible for the Indian market when you combine an excellent product with manufacturing competitiveness, supported by strong government partnerships. We look forward to strengthening Nissan’s presence in India and delivering further innovation and excitement for our Indian customers,” said Torres. 

Having pulled the plug on the Datsun brand earlier this year, the Japanese carmaker has restructured its portfolio over the past few years. Nissan Motor India has now become a ‘one-product’ company with over 95% of its sales coming from Magnite entry-level SUV. The sub-compact SUV helped Nissan Motor India to double its annual sales to 37,768 units in the last financial year. 

The company has also relied on its exports, which offered support with over 39000 units being shipped overseas, helping the company to have decent volumes for the factory to remain viable. 

In the first six months of FY2023, Nissan Motor India, which currently sells the Magnite compact SUV and the Kicks midsize SUV, has sold a total of 17,883 UVs, up 1.15% year on year (H1 FY2022: 17,678 units. In the face of stiff competition in the UV market, its share is down to 1.82% from 2.76% a year ago. In the April-September 2022 period, the Chennai-based carmaker has exported 25,813 units, up 39% YoY (April-September 2021: 18,614 units).

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