 "India no 'easy market,' says Nissan but expect two more Datsun models by 2016")
Greater Noida: Nissan India plans to roll outtwo more Datsun models by 2016 to realise its objective ofcornering 10 percent market share with both the brandscontributing half of sales by then.
The first model, Datsun Go, a hatchback in the under Rs4-lakh price band, was rolled out yesterday at its Chennaiplant and will be ready for bookings next month.The company is reviving the Datsun brand after almostthree decades and is aimed at first-time car buyers.
“We will bring two more models from the Datsun stable by2016,” Nissan Motors Corporate Vice-President for India,Africa and Middle East, Toru Hasegaawa told reporters at theongoing Auto Expo today.
Hasegawa said the Datsun Go launch is aimed at enhancingthe market reach not only here but also in other emergingmarkets like Russia and South Africa, among others.He said the company is aiming for 10 per cent market shareby 2016 with Nissan and Datsun brands contributing 5 percenteach of sales.
“We are strategically approaching the emerging markets,including India. The Datsun will definitely succeed in highgrowth markets. We estimate that half of sales will come fromNissan and the remaining from the other product,” he added.Hasegawa said the global auto market is changing, with 60percent volume expected to come from the emerging economiesas against 40 percent now. Currently, advanced countries
contribute 60 percent of volume for the company.
Describing India as “not an easy” market, Nissan IndiaManaging Director Kenichiro Yomura said the company is nowgeared up to enhance its presence.
“India is not an easy market. It’s price-sensitive and itsrequirements are different. But now we think we are ready tocater to the market in a much bigger way,” he said.
On capacity utilisation of the Oragadam plant nearChennai, Totu said the plan is to inch towards 5 million,adding that with some arrangements in the shift it can go upto 4.80 lakh.The company has also ruled out exports of Datsun from thecountry at this point of time as it plans to produce the modellocally in Indonesia, Russia and South Africa.
“This is only the beginning. Following the sales launch ofDatsun Go in March, we plan to expand the product range.Datsun will account for 50 percent of sales for Nissan inIndia,” Datsun Global Head Vincent Cobee had said in Chennaiyesterday.
Agencies