Nissan’s Datsun brand which re-entered India after over 30 years with the small car ‘GO’ has done significant numbers since introduction last month. During the first one-and-a-half months’ sales, since its launch on March 19, sales have clocked past the 5,000 units mark. The company has sold 2,690 units of the GO in April, a little over (2,500 units) the numbers sold during the 12 days between March 19 and March 31.
Price detailsThe Japanese carmaker has the kept the pricing within the ₹4 lakh mark (priced between ₹3.12 lakh and ₹3.70 lakh, ex-showroom, New Delhi) to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki India’s Alto (both 800 and K10), Hyundai Motor’s India Eon and General Motors’ India Spark. It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine (3-cylinder), which gives a mileage of around 20 kmpl, and the company had done a massive campaign before launching the entry-level car – like going to more than 90 cities in India – doing road shows to make people familiar with the brand. The GO is one of the first three models from Datsun’s stable that was launched to test the Indian market and the company is expecting to garner support for the chance of making the brand popular again. The other two models are expected over the next one year, including the Datsun Redi-GO, which was unveiled at the Auto Expo here in February.
However, though the company has managed to sell more than 2,000 units of the GO per month, Nissan has its work cut out to maintain that consistency since the entry small car segment is one of the most competitive in the country.
Having said that, the company already has broad plans, especially after its break-up with its franchisee Hover Automotive, and deciding to go solo on marketing as well. Nissan Motor India is also expected to expand its dealership network to around 200 within this year from around 130 right now.