Nissan confirmed today that it will be bringing back the Datsun brand for emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, India, China and Indonesia. In India, Datsun will officially begin sales by 2014 in the entry hatchback segment with a price under Rs 4 lakh. During the first year of production Datsun will have two new cars in their portfolio. The cars will be based on all new platforms that will not be shared across brands.
However, there is no news if this is the same ultra low cost car project that Nissan were planning with Bajaj. Nissan says that there will be a clear differentiation between the vehicles offered by the sister brands (Infiniti and Datsun) and Datsun represents the entry level budget car that is fun to drive, modern and efficient.
During an announcement about strengthening the company’s production base and sales presence in emerging markets, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn confirmed that Datsun will come back. The Japanese car maker also aims to take about 60 per cent by 2016 with the Datsun brand playing a key part. The first two products in India will come from the Renault-Nissan shared Chennai plant.
“Datsun will provide sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets,” Nissan said in a statement. “Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese carmaking expertise and is an important part of Nissan’s DNA. Datsun vehicles will start sales in India, Indonesia, and Russia from 2014.”
Also see – Nissan to relaunch Datsun brand by 2014 in emerging markets
