Nissan – Ashok Leyland joint venture was formed in 2007-2008, three years later, Nissan spelled out their plans for Indian market. Nissan India official said the joint venture is in the process of developing NV200, a people mover for India. In abroad NV200 MPV is one the successful product in Nissan’s portfolio. Nissan-Ashok Leyland will be positioning NV200 against Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo, where company feels there is sufficient space.
“We will market our product in the same segment, but will target at the mid-premium segment. Ashok Leyland will target the mass market in the same segment,” said Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and CEO, Nissan Motor India. Nissan NV200 will be priced between Rs. 8lakhs to 10 lakhs bracket. According Nissan India officials, the MPV will be launched in two variants. One variant will be launched by Ashok Leyland to address demand in the mass market while their Japanese partner will position their own variant in premium segment. Nissan India will be launching NV200 with more style and sportiness to make it distinguished from Ashok Leyland’s offering. Both the products will be developed on the same platform and will be customized according to product’s positioning.
Nissan NV200 may get same 1.5dCi engine which powers Nissan Micra diesel variants and Mahindra – Renault Logan. This engine is well proven in our market and comes with superb fuel economy figures.
The launch of NV200 will happen by 2012 second half. Before the launch of NV200, Nissan-Leyland will be launching a range of light commercial vehicle by end of 2011.
Meanwhile, Nissan-Ashok Leyland joint venture dropped the idea of developing a small car for Indian market. According to officials from Hinduja Group, Indian small car market is nearing saturation and making inroads to this market is complicated. The joint venture was initially disclosed their plans to create a small car offering which will compete with Maruti Suzuki Alto, India’s best selling car.
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