Nissan to Launch Five Datsun Cars, including Entry Level Hatchback

While the US and Europe are going through a financial crisis, most automakers have shifted their focus towards the emerging markets. And India being a growing economy, has been the centre of attraction for everyone. The Japanese auto major, Nissan is one of the first ones to have announced its huge plans for the Indian auto market. The company has already announced to relaunch its low-cost car brand Datsun in several emerging markets, which was phased out in 1986. The company is planning to launch a total five Datsun models including a sub Rs. 4 lakh hatchback.

There are several reasons why Nissan is launching Datsun for the emerging markets like India, Russia and South Africa. First, the growth in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) cluster is now driven by a new class of customers. Nissan believes that these new customers in all the aforementioned countries have different requirements and request, which should be addressed via a separate model line-up.

So, the company's strategy is on to decreasing features, while not cutting down on what all is relevant and needed in these markets. Datsun will make its world debut at this year's Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) taking place between September 19-29. However, Nissan will premier Datsun brand nameplate in New Delhi on July 15.

The first model to be unveiled in India will be a five-door hatchback, which will be based on Nissan Micra Platform. In February 2013, the company teased the first official image of Datsun model, which revealed the front fascia of the car. The teased picture suggest the front fascia of the car to have angular headlights, a contoured hood and a small grille. However, the company didn't reveal the exact specifications of the car, it said that the Datsun model will have "Strong independent brand identity".

Source: ET