The year 2010 will see launches of 9 models from Nissan to cope the rival market giants. The CEO of Nissan told on the eve of Auto Expo, (not participating conspicuously) it is not too late to enter the Indian market. Nissan’s presence in the Indian market is feeble – just 400 X-Trail suvs and the sedan Teana. However, the motive is now to launch new ranges to push behind Honda Motor which has settled the India as the export hub.
The compact car from Nissan will leave from the Chennai plant jointly owned with Renault and will export 110000units to Europe in 2011 and this may expand to 180000 units soon. Nissan intends to create the equivalent global share 5.5% in India. March / Mirca will be replaced by a compact car and will be a hatchback followed by sedan version and diesel versions in subsequent years. There was a talk in the air about the launch of a model in V platform matching its own global compact car.
Further, there will be two local models- LCV (a joint-production with Ashok Leyland) and one with Nissan brand – from the Chennai plant. Apart from these, there will be an ultra low cost car developed by Bajaj to be marketed by Renault and Nissan. The dealer network will be increased to 55 in 2012 (presently 7).
The ideology of Renault and Nissan faced hitch on financial grounds. Renault has strengthened its mind to invest in India, for muscling Fluence and Koleos premiums (unveiled at the Auto Expo). The JV is on the look out for global sourcing of parts though it has 97 suppliers in the domestic market contributing 85%.