Datsun launch in India on July 15
Datsun logo
There was speculation about its launch since last year when Datsun, the budget brand owned by Nissan, had declared that it will manufacture cars again. The brand is targeting developing markets like India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. The first Datsun products are hatchbacks (codenamed I2 and K2) which are being developed at Renault-Nissan's state-of-the-art unit in Chennai.
The company has announced that the "Datsun World Premiere" will take place on July 15th. There is a high possibility that Datsun will unveil its first hatchback - codenamed K2 - on July 15. But what's more important is that the main event is the relaunch of the brand itself. Carlos Goshn, CEO of Renault-Nissan, will be visiting India in the coming days to preside over the official launch of the brand in the country.
The K2 is built on the versatile V platform which also forms the base for Nissan's Sunny, Micra and Note cars. The lightweight platform's production is localized in India, allowing Datsun to cut down on costs. Currently, only petrol engines are in the making. The K2 will be placed below the forthcoming low-cost Micra as a challenge to cars like the Chevrolet Beat, Hyundai Eon, Maruti Wagon R etc.
Whether Datsun sells their cars under Nissan dealerships or in their own independent showrooms and service networks remains to be seen. But if it's going to align with Nissan, it might affect Nissan's big brand image, as Datsun is a low cost brand. A debut of the concept versions of Datsun cars can also be expected on the day of the event.
Starts Rs 4.32 Lakhs
936cc
Manual
57.1
142.5
-NA-
Starts Rs 3.29 Lakhs
814cc
Manual
56
74.5
21.1 Kmpl
