Carazoo Indian Car Blog

Nissan Plans to Manufacture Micra in India

The Nissan Motors plans to start the production of its upcoming car, the Micra, at its new facility in Chennai.

The facility in Chennai is a joint venture between the Nissan Motors and Renault. The Renault agrees to the production which is expected to start soon so that the car is launched at the scheduled period in 2010. The starting price of Micra will be around Rs 4.5 lakh.

Nissan is laying more pressure on complete localization of the car to meet the costs and gain a profitable margin.

The company has also signed a partnership with the Hover Automotives in India. This partnership is restricted to the marketing, sales, after-sale services and dealer development of the Nissan cars. The Hover is also putting in great efforts to increase the Nissan dealers from 5 to 55 and earn market coverage of about 80%.

Will the alliance between Nissan and Hover give profitable returns to Nissan? This is a big question because currently many car manufacturers are in race to earn maximum market coverage and hold the highest amount of share in the Indian economy.

Labels: Micra, Nissan, Renault, Small-Cars, Upcoming-Cars

 

posted by Carazoo @ Friday, August 01, 2008

Electric Vehicles by Bajaj-Renault-Nissan

The Indian car industry is caught in the middle of high inflation and interest rates, soaring fuel prices, and a steep decline in car demand and sales. The steep deviation has caught the industry by surprise. The Bajaj-Renault-Nissan alliance now plans to roll out a portfolio of electric cars with a keen desire to boost the sluggish car demand.

The alliance desires to go beyond the ‘ultra low-cost car’ to introduce a range of electric vehicles in India. The company accepts this as a new marketing strategy and has a confirmed belief that car sales will boost as a result of this new marketing strategy.

The Bajaj, Nissan, and Renault alliance is not restricted to the production of one single vehicle. The alliance is negotiating to extend their ULC partnership and produce a portfolio of electric vehicles in different segments with varying price tags. The alliance lays its focus on India because it is one of the most cost-effective production centres in the world even after inflation.

Labels: Bajaj, Electric Cars, Nissan, small cars

 

posted by Carazoo @ Thursday, July 17, 2008

Bajaj and Renault Plans to Drive Further

Bajaj and Renault-Nissan had signed a joint venture to produce small cars to compete with the Nano. But, now the Joint Venture has decided to drive further, beyond the reach of small and low-cost cars.

They are now planning to widen their platform and produce a portfolio of different cars ranged at different prices and characteristics as well. It has realised the fact that there is no gain in just competing with one single car simply on the basis of price.

Good, they are moving ahead with a desire to make their ultra-low cost (ULC) platform flexible and produce something better. They have announced that their new range of cars may cost over Rs 1.50 lakh, but it will not compromises with quality – engine performance, transmission, unique interiors, style, fuel economy and emissions.

Life is costlier than Rs 1 lakh! So, don’t just go for price, look all aspects and then decide for one.

Labels: Bajaj, Nissan, Small-Cars

 

posted by Carazoo @ Friday, June 20, 2008

Nissan to Enter the Small Car Race in India

India has become a hot destination for several foreign car manufacturers. Luxury car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi already have their presence in the country and manufacturers like General Motors, Ford, Toyota and Hyundai have been around for a long time.

A recent entrant into the Indian car market has been Nissan. It’s planning to shift its small car manufacturing facilities to cheaper places like India and Thailand. This will not only improve the price positioning of Nissan’s cars in existing markets but will also provide a foothold in the Indian market.

Nissan plans to bring its small car Micra to India and wants to develop two more cars based on the same platform. While these cars are being developed with richer markets such as Europe in mind, India will not lack behind in consumerism. The Micra is expected to cost somewhere in the range of Rs 3-4 Lakh.

Labels: new car launch, Nissan, small cars

 

posted by Carazoo @ Friday, June 06, 2008

Nissan to conquer India

Nissan is one of the big names in car industry. It has always created a niche in the car markets across the world. It has already brought in SUV X-Trail and luxury saloon Teana. Both these cars are priced Rs 40 lakh. It will also be introducing a premium SUV Murano with the same price tag. However, with such an ambitious plan for India, Nissan is establishing itself in the Indian niche market and may give a tough fight for BMW and Mercedes cars.

But Nissan is not stopping with it. The company is planning to bring eight of its products to India by the year 2012. There are rumours that the company is planning to bring small car Micra. The small car will be positioned in the A2 segment and will compete with Zen Estilo and Wagon R. It will be powered by a 1.2 liter petrol engine. Nissan also plan to bring in another sedan, but the details about it are still a mystery.

Labels: Indian car industry, Nissan

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Will Lite see the light of day?

I am, like many of my friends, waiting breathlessly for the Tata Nano. I also was curious about its rival Bajaj Lite. While Nano continues to be in the news everyday, Lite was in the limelight for just a single day when it was unveiled and then it practically vanished.

Lite is light years away from a launch in India. Bajaj Auto was planning to launch the car in collaboration with Renault-Nissan, but the process which was moving ahead slowly now seems to be ending. Renault and Bajaj had jointly initiated a feasibility study of ultra-low-cost cars in India in July 2007. The study is now expected to be completed by March this year.

The newspapers don’t tell me what the result is going to be of this study. I can’t find anything on the net. Where is the Lite? Does anyone have any idea? I would like to get some info on this car – help!

Article Submitted by Curious Swami

Labels: Bajaj, cheap cars, Nissan, One Lakh Car, Tata, ultra low cost car

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Congratulations to Nissan’s new MD & CEO

I am not an avid auto news reader, but today one news topic caught my attention. Apparently, Japanese top car maker, Nissan is planning to reshuffle its Indian top management. Shohei Kimura is named to take over as MD and the CEO of the India Operation of Nissan. Mr. Kimura is already serving the company as a Vice President of India Operations.

Kimura’s International experience and extensive knowledge would definitely come in handy for the Indian market. I know that while the competition is getting tough, most car makers are making sure that the top management is changing hands and being given over to outsiders – like Suzuki. This refreshing move gives me hope that not ALL manufacturers will believe that success can only be delivered by foreigners.

Shohei Kimura, congratulations and wish you luck!

Article submitted by AJ

Labels: Japanese, Nissan, Submitted Article, Suzuki

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Porsche to spread its wings wider

With big auto players like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan have already markets stormed the Indian markets, now its turn of Porsche, the German luxury car maker, which is all set to expand its operations in India.

As its first step, Porsche recently inaugurated a $ 2 million showroom in Mumbai. They plan their next pit stop at Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai. The company hopes to continue its legacy in the sports car segment and intends to take it to a new high. Amongst its model, Porsche’s Cayenne rules the Indian road.

Labels: Audi, BMW, Luxury car segment, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Porsche

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Monday, December 17, 2007

Nissan’s new dreams are attached to India

Nissan have now plans to shift into overdrive in emerging markets like India to tide over the slowdown in its home market. A TV report suggested that it has set a target to make 2 Lakh cars per year in India by 2012 both in compact and the midsize car segments.

Nissan also wants to expand from the premium into the mainstream passenger car segments in India for volumes as Japan is not showing any positive response. They are also hopeful about the joint manufacturing facility with Renault and Mahindra in Chennai by 2009. They could also be developing another model that will be co-developed by Renault-Nissan's technical centre that's coming up in Chennai.

Labels: Expansion in business, Expansion in Indian auto industry, Growth in Indian auto industry, Mahindra, New launch, Nissan, Renault

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Rickshaw drivers in India watch out!

As India is emerging as a global hotspot for four-wheelers, top guns in the auto industry are inventing ways to capture the largest share and fiddling with the buzz word - ultra-cheap cars.

Renault-Nissan is looking at replacing auto rickshaws from Indian roads completely. They have already entered an agreement with Ashok Leyland to churn out low cost trucks and with Bajaj Autos to engineer a $3,000 car by 2010. India's Tata Motors aims to launch its long-awaited $2,500 car in 2008.

Maruti is currently out of the ultra-cheap car loop. Tata is still in the fray even after a lot of political turmoil in their small car plant in West Bengal. It is time for consumers to ponder about how the Renault-Nissan combo is going to compete with the three-wheelers in India.

Labels: Ashok Leyland, Bajaj, Buses and Trucks, Maruti, Nissan, Renault, Tata, Three-wheelers, Ultra cheap cars

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Is Suzuki trying to shatter the small car dream?

Honeymoon days for small cars seem to be over, now experts are looking at them from a critical standpoint. The Japanese mini-car specialist, Suzuki Motor is taking a cautious view to the race to build a $3,000 car in India.

India's Tata Motors has previously said it plans to introduce a $3,000 car into the market by next year, while Nissan and Renault are also considering jointly launching a similarly priced vehicle in India by 2010.

Wonder how environment protection has suddenly become an issue to the Japanese car maker? Suzuki is worried about the low-cost cars meeting global standards of emission and automobile safety. Whether these cars would include airbags or seatbelts is yet to be seen.

The Maruti Suzuki India Limited market share majority is owned by the Japanese automaker, which now has a market share of more than 50 percent in India. However, its dominance is increasingly challenged by global automakers who will not rest until they take a large bite out of the extremely delicious Indian auto market pie.

Labels: Auto market competition, Low budget cars, Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, Renault, Small car market in India, Suzuki, Tata

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Nissan X-trail……..Rocks

Driving an SUV has become a fashion statement. Among the bunch of SUV’s my favorite is the Nissan X-trail. It has been a best seller around the world. Nissan has done the right thing in bringing it to India and especially at the right time when my friend was planning for an SUV. Even if there are many more models compared to what we had a few years ago, there still aren’t enough choices in this segment. It is bound to give some stiff competition to the other SUVs.

SUVs are meant to look imposing and rugged. The X-Trail does look like that to a certain extent. The front may look traditional, but that makes it aggressive. It may not look as modern and sleek as the Honda CR-V, but I am sure this styling definitely gives it a handsome and class look. As you move over to the side, the alloys grab your attention. The performance is better than many lighter and more powerful luxury sedans. It beats ALL its competitors in performance. The ride and handling is too good. But the only setback it has is in terms of pricing and if you don’t mind the price tag then, nothing should stop you from driving this cool car!

Article submitted by Rohit Mishra

Labels: Cool cars in India, Expansion in segment, Honda, Nissan, SUVs

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Monday, November 26, 2007

China doesn’t lure auto world anymore, India does!

Buying a car is no more a luxury for Indians, it’s a necessity. For the global automotive industry, China is now a passé, India grabs all their attention. Last year, car sales in India totaled in 1.1 million with compact hatchbacks accounting for nearly three quarter of that.

Time for Maruti, Tata, or Mahindra to pull up their socks, foreign automakers like Nissan, Hyundai, and Renault are aiming big in India. A recent auto survey says that the car market in India is growing at an average of 20 percent a year, outpacing even China.

Nissan already made its entry to the Indian market with Renault SA of France and Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and sold its Logan like hot cakes early this year. Japan’s carmakers are not behind in this race, the biggies like Toyota and Honda have already pronounced their presence here loudly.

Maruti 800, Alto, or Santro says small car is always a big hit in India. Incited by Tata's super-cheap People’s Car next year, Nissan and Renault are projecting a car that may sell for as little as $2,500. And now India’s two-wheeler giant Bajaj and Renault are discussing the possibilities of ultra inexpensive cars.

With this pace, bicycle and two wheelers may look like extinct products of the auto world.

Labels: Bajaj, Car competition, Car manufacturers in India, Honda, Hyundai, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Maruti, Nissan, Renault, Tata, Toyota

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Friday, November 23, 2007

Nissan plans to make a $3,000 car

Nissan wants to make a $3,000 car. Nissan recently confirmed that it is confident of being able to develop a $3,000 car in India with proposed partner Bajaj Auto Ltd. The Renault-Nissan alliance has been doing serious research for the production of this new $3,000 car.

Tata quoted its One-Lakh-Car would be a rear-engine, 600-cc, four-door hatchback. A series of question is still in the air. What are the features the car will host? How can a car offer the essential safety measures with such a price tag? Will the engine and power be enough to carry four or in some cases five people?

Nissan is confident about the $3,000 car’s production for India and Tata’s claim is still not disproved. Let’s wait and watch to see what new turns the Indian auto market will take.

Labels: Bajaj, Car competition, Indian low budget cars, Nissan, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Renault, Tata

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Wanna be a Tata Indica Xeta owner?

Hyundai must be celebrating the launch of the over-awaited brand new i10 and preparing to hype publicity about the soon-to-be-out Santa Fe. Honda must be whooping with joy anticipating the upcoming Jazz. Nissan is busily weaving its net with more Indian partners to debut more great cars. But check out what Tata is catching up with. Sure they are also busy launching new models and getting into joint ventures, but our Tata is now tracking its brand loyal customers through a new website called Watblog.com.

Carazoo normally does not cover anything other than cars, but we are going to make a small exception here, because the news is something really, really special. It may well be the next very serious car sales action from the Tata brand. The intention behind this new website is to promote its new Indica Xeta model. Tata’s Watblog.com is offering its new Xeta fans some Video-Chop jobbies through a video contest. The theme for the contest video should express the tagline idea ‘You Gotta Be Dumb if You Miss the Xeta’.

Howz that? We liked it. What do you say? Planning to participate? If you win you can be the owner of a brand new Tata Indica Xeta just like that!

Labels: Carazoo, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Promotional campaign, Tata, Video-making competition

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Thursday, November 15, 2007

Nissan plans to bring Infiniti to India

People often ask me “What type of a car is your dream car?” The answer is usually “A car with elegant looks and luxury and a brand name that does not need an explanation.” I think it’s the same with most people. Now here comes my question “What comes to mind when you think of Infiniti?” Luxury! Infiniti is one of the most luxurious cars that people dream about. These imported Infiniti models will soon assault the Indian market by the in-time idea from Nissan Motors.

Infiniti, the Nissan-owned company, is planning to debut its Infiniti brand of luxury cars in India. Watch out Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen. Upon introduction, the Infiniti will be presented in the luxury, small car, mid-sized sedan, and the commercial vehicle segments. The Infiniti versions are priced in the range of Rs. 15,30,000 - Rs. 23,40,000 in the US market. The Infiniti price tags for the Indian market are yet to be announced.

Nissan is happy with the Indian market and its local partners. However there is no information about who the local partner will be for Infiniti. After the joint ventures with Bajaj Auto, Mahindra&Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland, who will be the next?

Labels: Ashok Leyland, Audi, Bajaj, BMW, Imported cars, Launches in India, Luxury car segment, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Volvo

 

posted by Carazoo Blog @ Thursday, November 15, 2007