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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Not leaving India, will launch 3 models by early 2027, says Nissan
Nissan Motor India is not exiting the Indian market and remains committed to its product roadmap, which includes launching three models — one multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and two sports utility vehicles (SUVs) — between early 2026 and early 2027, the firm's Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa said on Wednesday. He noted that the Nissan brand enjoys 'higher equity than its current market share', and expressed confidence that this will translate into stronger sales once the new models are introduced. 'I must put to rest any speculation that we are exiting India just on the basis of our divestment in Renault Nissan Automotive India (RNAIPL). These rumours trouble customers and employees — direct and indirect,' Vatsa told reporters during a virtual press conference. Vatsa said Nissan is sticking to its plan of launching three new models by early 2027. The first new model — a MPV — will launch in the first quarter of 2026, followed by a five-seater SUV by mid-2026 and a seven-seater SUV in early 2027. Currently, the company has just two cars in its portfolio: domestically produced Magnite and imported X-Trail. While Nissan's domestic sales dropped 7.5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to 27,881 units in 2024-25, its exports from India increased by 65.9 per cent Y-o-Y to 71,334 units. Vatsa mentioned that Nissan is targeting annual domestic sales and exports of 100,000 units each by financial year 2026-27. "We are in the fifth year of the Magnite and we have a single car portfolio, which is domestically produced. Despite that, we have consistently been doing 30,000 units — give or take 1,000-1,500 units — annually over the past five years,' he noted. "It's a very sticky brand, and when you have a brand which has higher equity than share, what happens is that when you get a new portfolio, that equity translates very quickly to gain in volumes. This does not mean that we have no work to do. We have to get ready for our dealer partners, etc," he stated. The company plans to start about 20 new dealerships this year. "Some of our network partners have moved on. However, what is really important to see is that this year, which is one year minus the new products, we have a future runway defined for our network. Last year, I told you we will close 2024 at 155 outlets and in reality, we closed the year at 159 outlets,' he said. "By the end of this year, we will have about 180 outlets, and the first right of refusal will remain with our existing dealers. We are looking to add about 20 outlets this year. While Nissan is getting ready to expand its future product portfolio, a lot of new partners are now approaching us because they can now see that Nissan is going to grow from one car portfolio to a multiple car portfolio in multiple segments with multiple powertrain options,' he added.
Mint
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Nissan's global layoffs to skip India as it lines up new SUVs
Nissan Motor Corp.'s 15% global layoffs to shore up its fortunes after a failed merger with Japanese peer Honda Motor Corp. will not impact its business in India, where the carmaker aims to scale up sales by more than fourfold over the next two years. 'There will not be any disruption to our teams here or our product plans in the country,' Nissan India managing director Saurabh Vatsa said on Wednesday said in a virtual press meet. 'We are on track to introduce new products and scale up growth in the market.' The maker of Magnite, a five-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV), plans to introduce three new car models in the next two years and increase its sales outlets from 159 to 180 in the ongoing financial year. Optimism about the world's third-largest automobile market contrasts with Nissan's global chief executive Ivan Espinosa's job and cost cuts to protect profits. Espinosa announced on 13 May that the company will shutter seven factories globally and cut 11,000 jobs in areas like manufacturing, sales, administration, research and contract staff. Nissan's operating profit for the financial year ended 31 March plunged by 88% to $472 million because of a slowdown in key markets like the US and China. The company also refrained from offering growth guidance due to uncertainty over US tariffs. Its merger talks with Honda Motor also collapsed in February this year because the two sides could not agree on the terms. The Indian business management stays upbeat amid this turbulence. The Japanese company plans to invest 700 million euros in the market by 2026 to fund expansion. Vatsa said a new multi-utility vehicle will be launched in the first three months of 2026 in India, followed by a five-seater SUV by the middle of the year. Nissan only makes the Magnite in the country and imports the X-Trail SUV as completely built units (CBUs). 'We are also exploring what more models can be brought in as CBUs in the country,' Vatsa said during the call. In 2027, the company aims to launch a seven-seater SUV as it has set domestic sales and export targets of 100,000 units each for the fiscal ending March 2027. Nissan sold 24,904 cars in the fiscal ended March, down 9% over a year earlier amid a slowdown in the broader car industry, which saw growth in sales fall to 2% to 4.3 million. The Japanese company plans to invest 700 million euros in the Indian market by 2026 to fund the expansion. The company announced in March that Renault will buy Nissan's entire stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd, the joint manufacturing unit they set up in 2010. 'Our plans for new SUVs in the Indian market remain intact, and we will continue our vehicle exports to other markets under the 'One Car, One World' business strategy for India,' Expinosa said at the time of the announcement. The company sees the current capacity of 480,000 vehicles per year shared with Renault as enough to cater to its existing sales targets.
India Today
3 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
We are not going anywhere, says Nissan as it reveals expansion plans
Nissan currently sells the Magnite and the X-Trail in India. Putting to rest all rumours surrounding the future of Nissan Motor India, the carmaker's Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa today said that the Magnite-maker is not leaving the country as it plans to introduce three new models over the next two years. Nissan, which currently sells only the Magnite and the X-Trail in India, will launch a new sub-4 metre MPV in the first quarter of 2026. In mid-2026, the carmaker will introduce a mid-size SUV, which will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, among others. A third car, which will be a 7-seater SUV, will enter the market in early 2027. According to Nissan, the MPV will be based on the same platform as the Renault Triber, while the mid-size SUV will take inspiration from the popular Nissan Patrol in terms of design. New Nissan cars for India During a select media briefing, Vatsa said: "Nissan has had a very long stint in India, and we are not going anywhere." The new models are not just quick additions but competitive vehicles offering value-for-money, he said, adding that they will be aggressive in style and have advanced features. While the X-Trail is available in India as a completely built-up (CBU) model, the Magnite is manufactured at the company's Alliance plant in Oragadam, Chennai. Although Renault is set to acquire Nissan's complete stake (51%) in the Alliance facility, it will continue to produce Nissan cars, including the three upcoming models. For reference, the Alliance plant has an annual installed production capacity of 4,80,000 units. Even though the X-Trail has struggled to attract buyers, Vatsa stated that other CBU models are currently being actively evaluated for the Indian market. Nissan's dealership expansion plan While Nissan currently has 160 dealerships across the country, Vatsa said that the carmaker is expecting to add 20 more dealerships to its network this year. "There's a special program that we have rolled out for our partners to get ready for the next year as the new cars start coming in," he added. Nissan's volume target Nissan's domestic sales dropped 7.51% to 27,881 units in FY25 from 30,146 units in FY24. However, the exports jumped 65.93% to 71,334 units in FY25 from 42,989 units in FY24. With new models arriving, the carmaker is targeting volumes of 1,00,000 units for the domestic market and another 1,00,000 units for exports by FY27. "We are on track to go to 1,00,000 units domestic and 100,000 units export in FY27," Vatsa said. Nissan Magnite CNG Expanding the Magnite portfolio, Nissan introduced a retrofit CNG kit option for the SUV earlier in the day. It is priced at Rs 74,999. Developed by Motozen, the retrofit CNG kit for the Magnite comes with a 3-year or 1,00,000 kilometre warranty. The installation will be carried out exclusively at government-authorised fitment centres. At present, the retrofit CNG kit option is available in seven states: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi-NCR. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine Putting to rest all rumours surrounding the future of Nissan Motor India, the carmaker's Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa today said that the Magnite-maker is not leaving the country as it plans to introduce three new models over the next two years. Nissan, which currently sells only the Magnite and the X-Trail in India, will launch a new sub-4 metre MPV in the first quarter of 2026. In mid-2026, the carmaker will introduce a mid-size SUV, which will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, among others. A third car, which will be a 7-seater SUV, will enter the market in early 2027. According to Nissan, the MPV will be based on the same platform as the Renault Triber, while the mid-size SUV will take inspiration from the popular Nissan Patrol in terms of design. New Nissan cars for India During a select media briefing, Vatsa said: "Nissan has had a very long stint in India, and we are not going anywhere." The new models are not just quick additions but competitive vehicles offering value-for-money, he said, adding that they will be aggressive in style and have advanced features. While the X-Trail is available in India as a completely built-up (CBU) model, the Magnite is manufactured at the company's Alliance plant in Oragadam, Chennai. Although Renault is set to acquire Nissan's complete stake (51%) in the Alliance facility, it will continue to produce Nissan cars, including the three upcoming models. For reference, the Alliance plant has an annual installed production capacity of 4,80,000 units. Even though the X-Trail has struggled to attract buyers, Vatsa stated that other CBU models are currently being actively evaluated for the Indian market. Nissan's dealership expansion plan While Nissan currently has 160 dealerships across the country, Vatsa said that the carmaker is expecting to add 20 more dealerships to its network this year. "There's a special program that we have rolled out for our partners to get ready for the next year as the new cars start coming in," he added. Nissan's volume target Nissan's domestic sales dropped 7.51% to 27,881 units in FY25 from 30,146 units in FY24. However, the exports jumped 65.93% to 71,334 units in FY25 from 42,989 units in FY24. With new models arriving, the carmaker is targeting volumes of 1,00,000 units for the domestic market and another 1,00,000 units for exports by FY27. "We are on track to go to 1,00,000 units domestic and 100,000 units export in FY27," Vatsa said. Nissan Magnite CNG Expanding the Magnite portfolio, Nissan introduced a retrofit CNG kit option for the SUV earlier in the day. It is priced at Rs 74,999. Developed by Motozen, the retrofit CNG kit for the Magnite comes with a 3-year or 1,00,000 kilometre warranty. The installation will be carried out exclusively at government-authorised fitment centres. At present, the retrofit CNG kit option is available in seven states: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi-NCR. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine Join our WhatsApp Channel
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Nissan bets on hybrid e-Power technology to drive turnaround amid financial struggles
Struggling Japanese automaker Nissan is banking on its proprietary "e-Power" hybrid technology to help fuel a much-needed business revival. The technology, already available in select models, uses both an electric motor and a gasoline engine—similar to Toyota's Prius—but operates differently in a key way: the car is always powered by the electric motor, providing a consistently quiet and smooth driving experience. 'Nissan has a proud history of pioneering innovative technology that set us apart,' said Chief Technology Officer Eiichi Akashi during a media event at the company's Grandrive test track outside Tokyo, AP reported. Unlike typical plug-in EVs, e-Power vehicles don't require external charging. The battery is powered solely by the gasoline engine, allowing drivers to refuel at gas stations without worrying about charging infrastructure—offering a unique middle ground between conventional hybrids and full electric vehicles . Nissan Motor Corp., which posted a $4.5 billion loss for the fiscal year ending in March, is pinning its hopes on e-Power as part of a broader turnaround strategy. The company faces significant challenges in the U.S. market, where President Donald Trump's tariff policies have complicated matters for Japanese automakers. To reverse its fortunes, Nissan is pursuing cost-cutting initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and reshaping its vehicle lineup—with e-Power technology playing a key role in that effort, according to Akashi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo As part of its recovery plan, Nissan recently announced it would cut 15% of its global workforce—around 20,000 employees—and reduce its manufacturing footprint from 17 plants to 10. The restructuring is being led by new Chief Executive Ivan Espinosa. Currently, e-Power technology is available in the Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail in Europe, and the Note in Japan. The U.S. market will see the upgraded system introduced in the upcoming Rogue model. While pricing for the new e-Power vehicles has not yet been disclosed, the only other automaker offering a similar setup is Suzuki Motor Corp., which incorporates it in its compact "kei" cars. Nissan, an early innovator in electric vehicles with the launch of the Leaf in 2010, is also working on enhanced EV models and is developing solid-state batteries—a potential replacement for the lithium-ion batteries now used in EVs, hybrids, and e-Power systems. Despite these efforts, analysts caution that Nissan is facing serious financial risks and may soon need external support. Speculation has emerged that the company may sell its Yokohama headquarters building or repurpose one of its domestic factories into a casino to raise funds. The company was previously in discussions with rival Honda Motor Co. regarding a possible business integration but announced in February that those talks had been called off. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Two Chinese citizens killed in East Coast Expressway Crash
KUANTAN: Two Chinese citizens were killed in a road accident involving two vehicles at Km 234.7 of the East Coast Expressway (LPT), heading towards Kuantan, yesterday. District police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Zahari Wan Busu said the dead have been identified as Zhengtai and Chunhua. According to reports, the accident occurred at around 2pm and involved a Mercedes-Benz carrying three Chinese citizens and a Nissan X-Trail driven by a local woman with four passengers. "Investigations revealed that the Nissan X-Trail was travelling from Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan. "Upon reaching the scene, the vehicle, which was moving straight on the right lane, suddenly struck the right-side divider, and came to a stop in the left lane. "At the same time, the Mercedes-Benz, carrying the three Chinese nationals, was unable to avoid the stationary X-Trail and collided with it in the left lane. "As a result of the crash, two of the Chinese nationals died at the scene, while the third sustained injuries. "The driver and four passengers of the Nissan X-Trail also suffered injuries and were taken to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) for treatment," he said. Wan Zahari added that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
