Nissan could be preparing for the rolling out of its upcoming Datsun compact UV as Micra’s production was moved to France
Nissan India Motor Pvt Ltd has shifted the production of its Micra hatchback from Chennai plant to France. The joint factory, also responsible for Renault’s car manufacturing, will be used for the new vehicles of the French company as well as the budget sub-brand of Nissan, Datsun. The report said the latter’s upcoming utility vehicle will also be part of the production lot as freeing up Micra’s space was of much help.
In the financial year 2016-17, Nissan exported 70,665 units of Micra and it had been cut down as the production of next-generation Micra for Europe was shifted to France starting from August 2017. The Japanese manufacturer is also planning to decrease the export of Sunny from India. For attaining maximum capacity, the Chennai facility will focus on rolling out products from Renault’s portfolio.
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It is only a logical step as Renault is more popular in India courtesy of Kwid hatchback and Duster SUV. While the Terrano did not endure success, Datsun’s Redi-Go has done decent numbers so far and the company is trying to step up the game with the arrival of a compact utility vehicle reportedly. It is yet to launch the recently facelifted versions of Go and Go+ and one way or the other they will be introduced here down the line.
However, the bigger picture lies in the Datsun Cross as it will enter one of the highly competitive and capable volume segments currently in the domestic market. The Renault-Nissan Technical Centre in Chennai is working on a couple of vehicles – a premium hatchback and a compact SUV – hitting the country in a couple of years. Renault is also planning to expand its local fleet based on the Kwid’s platform.
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Datsun Cross, the first global crossover from the Japanese brand, is based on the Go Cross Concept focussing on first-time young buyers with affordable price range. It is also the advanced vehicle within the brand’s portfolio with features like 6.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, CVT transmission, automatic climate control, rear parking sensor, electrically adjustable ORVMs, etc.
Datsun Cross Images
