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Nissan gears-up to launch four new car models in India next year

The Indian unit of the Japanese auto giant is gearing-up to expand its dealership network in the Indian market, so that its existing and upcoming portfolio models can reach more and more buyers in the country. Nissan India is all set to launch four new car models in the country next year that comprises of Nissan Sunny diesel, a multipurpose vehicle in the segment of Toyota Innova and two more models details of which are yet to be disclosed by the company.

Nissan India recently rolled-out its mid-size sedan Sunny in the Indian market which is the fifth model in the company’s India portfolio. Nissan Sunny diesel is expected to be launched in the country in January 2012 at the Delhi Auto Expo.

Moreover, the company will add a small car in its India portfolio that will be positioned below the segment of compact hatchback Micra by year 2013-14. The car is expected to be launched in the price segment of Rs 3 to 4 lakh, where it will be fighting for space with the likes of Maruti Wagon R, A-Star and Zen Estillo, Hyundai i10, and Chevrolet Spark. The small car will be rolled-out in both petrol and diesel versions, considering the rising demand for diesel run small cars in India.

In a recent statement, Satoshi Matsutomi, vice president, product planning and program management office, Nissan Motor India, said that the demand for diesel models has been evolving at a rapid pace in India. That company has the 1.5 litre diesel engine on the Micra now but it has to look for something smaller than that for the future. May be it could be a 1.1-1.2 litre engine, he added.

The company is also developing a multipurpose vehicle which is expected to be position in the price segment of sub Rs 7 lakh, where it would be taking on with the likes of Mahindra Xylo, Toyota Innova and Tata Aria. The new Nissan MPV will be showcased at the forthcoming Delhi international auto expo 2012.