Nismo (abbreviated from Nissan Motorsport) is the in-house tuning, motorsports and performance division of Nissan. The Nismo is to Nissan as M division is for BMW or AMG house is for Mercedes. Now Nissan has announced its plans to expand the range of Nismo road cars to additional segments, and newer markets.
Nismo was introduced by Nissan to its model line-up back in 2013. Taking advantage of its motorsport expertise, the tuning helps the Nissan’s passenger cars be more sporty and fun to drive. Currently, the Nismo-tuned line-up includes the GT-R, Fairlady Z, Juke, Note, Sentra and Patrol. Now the Japanese carmaker intends to expand the Nismo portfolio to newer body styles including crossovers, minivans and pickups. This will help the carmaker to boost the line-up in existing markets, while there are plans of setting up Nismo-specific dealership across other international markets.
Nissan wants to boost the Nismo car sales to 1 lakh by 2020, from 15,000 units last year. The model offensive of Nismo treatment is intended to increase tenfold over the next five years. So a Nismo treated pick-up truck is imminent in the American market. Nismo will broaden its line-up beyond its Nismo-appointed core models to include a top tier of high-performance models and a lower rung of Nismo factory options
The new business unit will also work with Nissan Motorsports International on marketing. This includes showing Nismo road cars at Nissan showrooms which will get special display areas, demo cars and special training for technicians. Apart from that, there will be special events and activities for Nismo owners.
Takao Katagiri, president and CEO of Nissan Motorsports International, commenting on this model offensive, said, “Demand for these types of cars is about 5 to 10 percent of every market. We see potential in the expansion of new categories. As a Nissan sub-brand, Nismo further builds upon the core values of Nissan cars. With the combined expertise of Nissan group companies, NISMO road cars will make customers enjoy Nissan cars more than ever."
