Japanese car major Nissan might be planning to introduce more SUVs in India. Nissan introduced the Terrano (a rebadged Renault Duster) last year and has tasted some success selling the SUV.
Takashi Hata, chairman for Africa, Middle East and India, Nissan Motor Company, speaking to a publication said, “The Terrano is a big hit. So this is telling us something about SUVs (in the Indian market). SUVs are a great segment in which we’d like to play; it’s a matter of time.”
Nissan has SUVs of diverse sizes, engine capacity and construction (monocoque and ladder frame), many of which might be under consideration for India. SUVs like the Juke, Rogue, Qashqai and X-Trail (which was on sale in India) could be the forerunners to be introduced phase wise.
Not surprisingly, the Japanese carmaker is also evaluating the feasibility of assembling these vehicles in India. “In order to play in the Indian market, you have to produce. Producing isn’t an issue. We have the capacity, engineering and Nissan’s capability. But the plan has to be right.” Hata said. This would ensure Nissan has an SUV in the 20 lakh price bracket, essentially a competitor to the Toyota Fortuner and the likes.
This seems to be a good move by Nissan as this will help them get noticed in our market. The company also has a target of achieving 10 per cent market share in India by 2020. In order to achieve that they need more products and some segment best-sellers.
Source: ACI