Nissan Commences Work on its New Small Car Project in India
Nissan Motors India, a unit of Japan based leading car manufacturer Nissan has started market study and model positioning work for its upcoming small car in the Indian market. Nissan small car will be positioned below its latest Nissan Micra small car and would be shelved in the price segment of sub Rs 3 lakh. Earlier, Nissan India was in talks with India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland for joint development of this small car, but now the Nissan has decided to go solo as Ashok Leyland’s promoter Hinduja group has not shown much interest in the project.
“We won't rule out any options, including doing it alone or through an alliance. We will pick up the best plan. Globally we're a very flexible company where there is a need for an alliance we do it and where it doesn't we go solo,” said Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan India. The new small car holds grater significance for the Nissan not only in India but also in the global market. So far, the Nissan imports A-Star from Maruti India and sells it as Nissan Pixo, in the European countries. The launch of a new small may eventually end this contract.
Nissan will show nine exciting models at Tokyo Auto Salon
Nissan together with AUTECH Japan and Nissan Motorsports will present nine exciting and innnovative models equipped with the latest custom and aftermarket parts at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in next month. On display will be the 100 percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF Aero Style Concept and Nissan range of standard road cars stylized with the latest genuine aero body kits that complement the vehicles’ pure forms.
- Nissan LEAF Aero Style Concept: Equipped with an aero body kit that accentuates Nissan LEAF’s distinctive silhouette and character lines, this concept car expresses an image of futuristic sport EV driving.
- JUKE Sporty Package: With its dealer-installed option enhancing JUKE’s strong, dynamic feel, this custom car is equipped with exterior accessories designed for the European and North American markets. The car includes chrome parts and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
- Elgrand Rider Premium Concept: Seeking the ultimate level of “mobility space,”‘ the engine, body and suspension are specifically tuned up for a higher level of driving performance. The genuine leather seats are configured in two rows, accommodating four people, and feature a quilted design. Based on the Elgrand Rider, the Premium Concept also features a cabinet with indirect lightning for the ground below and a cool/warm storage box. The custom exterior items such as a smoke-plated front mask, 19-inch wheels and tires and a front protector accentuate the uniqueness of this car.
- Serena Rider: Based on Serena, this custom car adopts punchy aeroform coating and an emblematic front grille design, which are features of the Rider Series of custom cars. Black-themed special seat materials and silver carbon-style instrument shift finisher enhance its sportiness.
- March Bolero: This March-based model has an elegantly coordinated interior and exterior. For the exterior, the front grille, which has been characteristics of earlier generation models, features a plated mesh design, while its interior is highlighted by wine-colored, horizontal-striped seat materials delivering a distinguished atmosphere.
- Nissan NISMO GT-R RC: NISMO GT-R RC was specially developed for circuit driving. It features a slick tire-compatible suspension, lightweight components and special safety equipment and devices – including a welded roll cage that meets the FIA standard, a 120-liter safety fuel tank made by ATL and air jacks. It is able to compete in various production races held around the world. This car will be officially released at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
- NISMO Version FAIRLADY Z: This model builds on the Fairlady Z’s high level of driving performance with added fun and sporty functionality. Along with engine output that is increased to 261kW(355PS), a higher level of sporty handling is realized through special body and suspension tuning and modification of the power steering characteristics. For the exterior, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved through use of special body components providing greater downforce and reduced air resistance.
- Elgrand S-tune: This model is equipped with NISMO S-tune kit for exhilarating driving on the street, and genuine optional parts for enhanced comfort and sportiness.
- MOTUL AUTECH GT-R: This car, campaigned in the 2010 SUPER GT season took the pole position in Round 5 in Sugo and finished in second place in Round 4 in Sepang and Round 6 in Suzuka.
Nissan Global Saloon Unveiled
Nissan has officially unveiled its 'New Global Sedan’ at the 8th China (Guangzhou) International Automobile Exhibition in China. As we reported earlier, the new saloon will be called as Sunny in China and some other countries. It will go on auction first in China in January 2011 and then progressively across 170 countries worldwide under different vehicle brand names. Based on Nissan's versatile 'V' platform, the Sunny sports all-new styling and looks very different as compared to the Micra. This is the second model to be based in this platform after the Micra. The 'New Global Sedan' will make its Indian debut in the second half of 2011, which will also be rolled out from Nissan's plant at Oragadam, Chennai. It will compete with the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and Chevrolet Aveo.
The name "Sunny" holds a very strong heritage in Nissan's history; this moniker was used by Nissan for its small saloon since 1966 for many decades. However, it is not obvious if the Sunny moniker will be used for India as Bajaj has rights to the name (The Bajaj Sunny is a scooterette launched in the 1990s but is now discontinued). The 'V' platform, on which the saloon is based, has been designed primarily to make financial sense in emerging markets, while being sophisticated enough for Western Europe. Engineered by Nissan in Japan, the V-platform project focuses on reductions in both weight and in the number of components that make up the prospect models. The Sunny will come with two engine options for India; a 1.5 litre four-cylinder motor producing around 100bhp and the 1.5 litre diesel that will be shared with the Micra hatchback.
Nissan India rolls-out Micra in Kerala
Nissan Motor India Private Ltd, the Indian unit of leading Japanese car maker Nissan, has launched the diesel variant of its latest compact hatchback Nissan Micra in the state of Kerala. The all new Nissan Micra diesel was unveiled at company’s authorized dealership EVM Nissan in Kochi. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India Private Ltd (HAL), a partner of Nissan India, told to reporters that there were flood of enquiries for the Nissan Micra diesel. “We are elated with the initial response the pre order bookings have been generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch” he said.
The Nissan Micra model has been receiving an overwhelming response from the buyers in Kerala and more than 250 units of Micra diesel have already been booked in the state. The diesel variant of Nissan Micra has been rolled-out in two variants including XV and XV Premium at Rs 5.59 lakh and Rs 6.05 lakh,(ex-showroom) respectively. The new diesel-run car has been launched in 6 exciting colors and is claimed to be offering a class-leading fuel economy of 23.08 km/l. Nationally, Nissan India has managed to receive pre-order bookings for more than 8,000 units of Micra series of models, so far.
Nissan teases Sunny sedan at Guangzhou Auto Show
Nissan has placed giant cards at the Guangzhou Auto Show teasing the Nissan Sunny. The Nissan Sunny sits on the Micra’s platform and will come to India during Diwali 2011. Starting on December 21, the Guangzhou Auto Show will host the unveiling of the Nissan Sunny and the Chevrolet Sail EV, both expected in India next year.
The Nissan Sunny could continue in some countries with the hatchback’s 1.2-liter 
engine. In India however, Nissan is said to be considering the 1.5-liter diesel engine and a new 4-cylinder 1.6-liter petrol engine. Nissan isn’t expected to price the sedan aggressively. We are not expecting the starting price to fall below 8 lakh rupees.
We have brought you interior shots of the Sunny and leaked patent shots that reveal the entire car. If this isn’t sufficient, we have also aired no-camouflage shots from China and brochure scans.The Nissan Sunny might be branded differently in India, according to someone privy to Nissan India's activities.
Nissan-Renault well on track to meet targets at Chennai plant
Nissan-Renault joint venture seems to be well on track with its targeted investment into its Chennai plant along with the manufacturing capacity planned. So far, Nissan Motors has invested over Rs 2300 crore at its India plant as compared to the promised investment of Rs 4500 crore by year 2015. The MoU with Tamil Nadu government, detailing this investment, was signed in year 2008, when the company had promised to state government an i
nvestment of Rs 4500 crore at its Chennai plant in seven years.According to Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and CEO, Nissan Motor India, "Of course we don't need to wait for seven years. We have the construction ability of two lakh as of now and we have invested Rs 2300 crore so far. That is the current status. And we are studying the circumstances to increase the current capability to four lakh.” He was speaking on the sidelines of introduction ceremony of Nissan Micra diesel in Hyderabad city.
At present, the company is manufacturing its global sub-compact car Nissan Micra at this plant. It plans to export Micra to as many as 100 foreign countries in the regionslike Africa, Middle East and Europe, from here. So far, Nissan India has exported over15,000 units of its Micra hatchback to Europ and plans to take this figure to 1.1 lakhunits by Oct 2011. While next year, Nissan JV partner Renault would commence manufacturing of its upcoming cars in India including Koleos and Fluence, at this plant.
Nissan and Mitsubishi join forces
Japans two major car manufacturers, Nissan and Mitsubishi have struck a contract which marks a new era of co-operation between the two Japanese auto giants. As part of the tie-up, Nissan India will provide a van for the Japanese market while Mitsubishi will launch a SUV in the Middle East. Earlier, both companies had agreed to share EV charging networks.
“In the global auto industry, cooperation on specific projects among automakers is becoming increasingly common. It is a signal of how our industry is evolving to sustain success over the long term”, said Carlos Ghosn, CEO and President Renault/Nissan. Currently Nissan India is selling four cars: Micra, 370Z, Teana and X-Trail and Mitsubishi recently launched two new cars, Outlander and Lancer EVO X to boost flagging sales in India.
Nissan Faces Minor Fault In Exported Micras
Nissan India’s hugely successful car, Micra, has been exported to European countries from its Chennai plant. Recently, some cars were faced with a glitch on arrival at its European site. The glitch, which resulted in a mild sound from pump area while idling, was detected in some cars while they were being tested on arrival in Europe, prompting the company to take immediate remedial measures. But, the company has clarified that the car has not been recalled.
“During the pre-launch inspection, Nissan identified a gentle noise occurring in the engine bay of some vehicles during start-up in tremendous freezing climate. As a result, Nissan has changed the oil specification of European cars in accordance with the requirements of the European climate ,” a spokesperson for Nissan India said from Chennai , adding, “This subject does not affect the presentation and operation of the engine.” “This is not a recall. A recall is done only when there are quality or consistency issues. It’s not the case here,” he added when asked about the recall of Nissan Micra. The matter appears to have affected the export plans of the Micra in the short run. “We are revising the European distribution schedule accordingly. Once the oil is changed, cars are being distributed normally across Europe ,” the spokesperson said. Nissan said it was more of an engineering-related issue and not manufacturing related . “There are no safety or reliability issues connected with the detected noise.” Nissan has made India a manufacturing hub for the Micra and plans to export it to over 100 countries across Europe , Middle East and Africa. The company has a target to sell 1.1 lakh units abroad in first year, after starting exports in October this year.
Nissan India plans massive expansion of distribution network
The Indian unit of Japanese automobile giant Nissan Motors, which has recently unveiled its much admired Nissan Micra hatchback in diesel version, is setting up to enhance its distribution network to 100 dealers from existing figure of 21 dealers by year 2013. By the same time, the company plans to take its product line-up to 9 models.
According to a statement given by Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and CEO, the company is ramping up its dealer network to 100 by 2013 from the present 21. He added that next year Nissan India will be launching a sedan model and in 2012 a multi-purpose automobile to be built in combined venture with Ashok Leyland. The company has been registering heavy sales of the petrol version of its compact hatchback Micra since its launch in July 2010. So far, more than 6,000 units of this auto have been sold in the Indian market.
The car is presently produced at Nissan-Renault’s combined venture car plant at Orgadam near, that rolls-out 15,000 cars per month. Nissan India commenced exports of petrol version of Nissan Micra to European countries in October this year and has shipped out over 15,000 units since then. It aims to produce 80,000 units of Micra next year that are to be sold in both domestic as well as foreign markets. However, the diesel version of Micra will be sold in only national market and there are no plans of transport it out.
Meanwhile, the corporation is planning to start assembling its Nissan Teana sedan in India by importing it in semi knocked down units from Japan. At present, the company imports the Teana model through completely built unit (CBU) route that attracts a 110 percent excise duty on the car. Besides Micra and Teana, the present product line up of the company includes sports utility vehicle (SUV) Nissan X-Trail and luxury sports sedan Nissan 370Z.
Nissan To Launch NV200 MPV
Nissan today officially said it would launch an MPV in Indian market. “We are launching a new multi-purpose vehicle in joint venture with Ashok Leyland . The Multi Purpose Vehicle model will be launched in line with the market leader Toyota Innova in 2012,” Nissan India Managing Director & CEO Kiminobu Tokuyama said. Many have spotted Nissan’s NV200 being tested in the streets of Chennai. The Multi Purpose Vehicle which Nissan says could be the NV200 van and will be launched in 2010. Nissan NV200 will take on the likes of Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Tavera and Mahindra Xylo.
Nissan could the use the 1.5dCi diesel engine to power the Nissan NV200. The logan engine known for its frugal would make Nv200 economical Multi Purpose Vehicle in the segment. The power ratings could be retuned to suit the requirements of bulky Nissan NV200 van.