Nissan, the Japanese car maker and is ranked third largest is contemplating the idea of importing its luxury version as completely knocked down kits. Currently Nissan is importing its luxury cars –Teana and X-Trail- as CBUs and the new move is to reduce the cost thereby increasing the sales. In September last Nissan launched two new versions in luxury segment. According to the company’s Indian CEO and MD the move may considerably reduce the cost and still other alternatives are studied. The heavy cost of Teana and X-Trail is due to its segmentation of the premium sector and the import duty.
Further, the company is assessing to initiate finance forum to increase the sales. For this an analysis of RBI factors and non-banking systems are taken for consideration, said CEO. 2010 seems to be a challenging year for Nissan India as its unnamed compact car is set for the launch. Nissan is going good along with its Ashok Leyland LCV tie-up and the period mid-2011 would see the launch of production at the latter’s unit in Hosur.
However, the initial launch will be made individually with individual brand and Nissan will make its own from its Oragadam unit in Chennai. The joint production would be arrived when the situation demands so, said CEO. Export market will be based on the factors like global market turnaround, revival of economy and recognition for LCVs in domestic market. Nissan is ready to face any competition and is particular from Europe and Japan.