Nissan to Sell Datsun Models Direct in India

Nissan Motor Co. has decided to sell its low-cost Datsun brand in India through dedicated Datsun dealers rather than the independent distributor that handles its Nissan brand, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Nissan describes the new policy as a "natural evolution" of the company's operations in India. It will continue to market Nissan models through its long-time distributor, Hoover Automotive India Pvt. Ltd.

The company will ask dealers that sell its vehicles already to open separate showrooms for Datsun, according to the Journal. The newspaper says Nissan is the only carmaker operating in India that does not retail its vehicles directly.

Nissan plans to debut its first Datsun model, the Go five-door hatch, in India early next year at a price below 400,000 rupees ($6,400). The company is positioning Datsun as an entry-level brand for emerging markets.