Nissan mulls entry into MUV segment

It is not just the $3000 small car that is on Carlos Ghosn mind for the Indian market. The head of both Nissan and Renault is said to be looking at opportunities in the utility vehicles (UV) segment, and it is vehicles from Nissan that seem to be fitting the bill here. According to highly placed sources, the company is conducting a market feedback on the possible introduction of the Serena and the Vanette in the Indian market.

While the Serena is a multi utility vehicle on the lines of the Toyota Innova, the Vanette is a more van-like multi purpose vehicle that can also seat eight people. Sources told Autocar Professional that a clinic for these vehicles would happen if Nissan was convinced of the market feasibility of these products. Currently, Nissan imports and sells the X-Trail sports utility vehicle and the Teana sedan in India. The company, along is partnering with Renault and Mahindra & Mahindra in setting up a plant in Chennai which is expected to begin production in 2009.

“We have not confirmed the models that will be produced in Chennai. Neither have we decided on our product strategy for India,” said Simon Sproule of Nissan Motor in a communication to Autocar Professional. He added that his company was “exploring all product segments to determine the best line-up”. Even if the Serena, Vanette or other products were to be introduced here, it is clear that the company’s fortunes as a volumes player will hinge on the compact and sub-compact segments.

In the short-term – before production begins at Chennai – the company could use these vehicles, and the X-Trail and Teana, to showcase its prowess in terms of quality and reliability. In that sense, these models would a curtain-raiser to what consumers can expect when two models codenamed XO2A and X02B are produced in Chennai. The X02A is a compact hatchback, which is slated to debut in 2012. The company has targeted sales of nearly two lakh units.

The X02B is a roomy hatchback, whose projected sales for 2012 is in the region of 130,000 units. The engines options for the cars will be 1.2 and 1.5 litre (petrol) and a 1.5 litre diesel. As impressive as these projected volumes are, the real deal, of course, is Ghosn’s $3000 car. Reports that Renault intends to partner with Bajaj Auto would indicate the importance of the Indian market for Renault-Nissan and its chief’s determination to make it succeed.

P THARYAN