Nissan Motor Company's discontinued automobile world, Datsun, got relaunched in India. Meanwhile, the Japanese brand unveiled the 'Go', a hatchback. The Go which was announced to be priced under Rs. 4 lakh, will be launched in January 2014, in India. Followed by India, the brand will see its dealerships in Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa.
"Today we begin new chapter in the history of Nissan. Datsun is back... The car will go on sales early next year in India, followed by Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. We have a market share of little over 1.2 per cent in India at present. We are looking to take it to 10 per cent in the mid term (2016). We expect Datsun to play a significant role in this," said Mr. Carlos Ghosn, CEO and President at Nissan Motor Company.
It's almost been three decades since the company had stopped the production. And the firm found no other better option than India to relaunch its branding. India had crossed 3 million mark in the four-wheeler class in 2011 and is expected to cross 4 million by 2016. Presently, Nissan holds only 1.2% of the Indian market and the firm want to achieve 10% market stake by the mid of 2016.
"This is an historic day for Nissan Motor Company and for our customers and partners in some of the world,s fastest growing markets. I've come to India today to begin a new chapter. I,m pleased to announce that Datsun is back," added Mr. Ghosn.
The all new and the first unveil of Datsun, the Go, after the come back to India, will be a great featuring car for those who look to own a premium branded entry level budget hatchback. The Go slightly shares the design with Nissan Micra Active. It is powered by a 1.2 liter petrol engine. It will be mainly competing with Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai i10. Datsun plans to launch 11 cars in India by 2016.
"Datsun will bring competitive products and services, modern and aspirational, while at the same time reassuring, providing superior value and specifically developed for the emerging and ambitious new Middle Class in high-growth markets. The Datsun cars will be locally developed with the support of Nissan Motor Company engineers and stylists and will be locally produced", said Vincent Cobee, Head of Datsun.