Japanese automaker Nissan plans to rejig its product portfolio by launching new Sunny sedan, redesigned utility vehicle Evalia and introduction of Datsun GO Plus and thereby kick up more excitement in the automart. The automotive company is seeking to increase volumes in the domestic market with the introduction of the Datsun Go hatchback and later Go Plus, a utility vehicle which is likely to be pitted against Maruti’s Ertiga and Chevy Enjoy.
Kenichiro Yomura, President of Nissan India Operations and Managing Director and CEO of Nissan Motor India Private Limited (NMIPL), said, “The company could have done much better in India than what it has achieved so far. But things will soon change as volumes are set to go up with the launch of Terrano late last year and Datsun GO last month and new models.”
He said, “The company is revamping its product portfolio. This will see Nissan introduce an upgraded Sunny sedan possibly by middle of the year and Datsun Go Plus in the second half this year. We will also be launching a totally redone utility vehicle Nisan Evalia before the end of the year. The revamped Evalia is based on extensive customer feedback.”
“The manufacturing unit located near Chennai, which serves both Nissan and Renault, with a capacity of 4,00,000 vehicles are likely to hit full capacity later during the year. This will necessitate us to add another shift, which will enable us to ramp up production from 4,00,000 to 4,80,000 units per annum,” he said.
In addition, Nissan would also be looking at further investments in the country towards capacity addition. Nissan foresees a situation where the capacity would be fully met. “The launch of Datsun Go and later Go Plus will need additional capacity,” he explained.
The Nissan President announced that Nissan Playstation GT Academy will open qualifying rounds in Hyderabad. The GT Academy, a driver discovery and development programme, sequentially completed its qualifying rounds at the 2014 Auto Expo, Delhi in February and in Mumbai in March. This competition will be open for people in Hyderabad now and then are extended to Bangalore and Chennai. The winners will get an opportunity to take part in national finals and later at international forum.