Nissan has released the first design sketch of its upcoming global compact car, offering an early look at a small hatchback created for some very large ambitions. The Japanese carmaker plans to manufacture the new model in five countries, including India, Thailand, and China. Indian production will begin in May 2010 at the company's new manufacturing facility in Oragadam near Chennai.
That makes this more than another small car announcement. Nissan wants India to serve as both an important sales market and a major manufacturing base.
Nissan Compact Car Production Starts in Chennai
The new Nissan compact car will roll from the Chennai production line as Nissan expands its presence in one of the world's fastest-growing small-car markets.
Indian motorists already understand the virtues of compact dimensions, sensible fuel consumption, and prices that do not require a meeting with the bank manager. Nissan intends to combine those qualities with the engineering and reliability expected from a global brand.
Kiminobu Tokuyama, managing director and CEO of Nissan Motor India, described the design reveal as an important moment for the company. He also confirmed Nissan's commitment to local manufacturing and its May 2010 production target.
A Small Car With a Global Sales Plan
Nissan plans to offer the model in more than 150 countries, an unusually broad market reach for a single compact vehicle. Thailand will receive the car first, with its launch scheduled for March 2010, followed by production and sales in other international markets.
Industry observers expect the car to form the basis of the next-generation Nissan Micra, although Nissan has introduced it simply as its new global compact model.
The early sketch shows a clean five-door design with a rounded roof, a rising window line, and a short body intended for crowded urban roads. In other words, it appears ready for cities where parking spaces remain optimistic suggestions rather than measurable objects.
Key Nissan Global Compact Car Details
- Indian production: May 2010
- Manufacturing location: Oragadam, Chennai
- Initial launch market: Thailand
- Planned global reach: More than 150 countries
- Production strategy: Manufacturing in five countries
- Expected vehicle class: Compact five-door hatchback
Nissan Strengthens Its India Strategy
Local production should help Nissan control manufacturing costs, improve parts availability, and price the car competitively against established Indian and international rivals.
More importantly, the Chennai factory gives Nissan a base for domestic sales and vehicle exports. The company is not merely bringing another model to India. It is making India part of the car's global story.
The finished vehicle will face plenty of competition when it arrives in 2010. Still, Nissan has chosen the right battleground. The world's appetite for practical, economical small cars continues to grow, and Nissan clearly wants a generous helping.
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