Nissan Brand Shifts to Premium-Only Models in India

Nissan Motor Co. tells reporters it will build and sell only premium models under its Nissan brand in India.

The company plans to add more SUV/crossover models, beginning with the Kicks due next year. The Nissan brand also will eventually offer electrified models in India.

Nissan says it will relay on its entry-level Datsun brand to target India’s mass market. The company also plans to upgrade its production operations in India, double its number of dealerships to more than 500 and expand employment in the country.

India’s car market is dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, which account for about two-thirds total volume. Nissan controls for less than 2% of the market. Reuters notes that the company lost share in the fiscal year ended March 31 as the overall market expanded 8% to 3.3 million units.