Nissan Micra Record Sales in May 2011

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) announced that it has clocked a domestic sales of 1588 nos. in the month of May 2011 compared to 56 units of CBUs in May 2010.

The Micra compact hatchback - the first model to be produced at Nissan's Chennai plant - is driving this sales boost and accounted 1566 units in May 2011. The X-TRAIL lifestyle SUV, Teana sedan and iconic 370Z sports car comprised the remaining sales.

Since it went on sale last July 2010, Nissan has already sold over 14,711 Micras in India until April 2011, and it continues to be exported to world markets. Last month South Africa became the latest market to launch the Indian-produced hatch.

NMIPL Managing Director & CEO, Kiminobu Tokuyama said: "Our domestic sales performance in May is very encouraging and demonstrates Nissan's long-term commitment to sustainably increase our presence within the Indian market.

"This is being supported by the locally-produced Micra, together with the rapid expansion of our dealer network which is continuing across all regions."

Source: Nissan

Nissan Micra Prices Go Up by 2%

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd has announced that it has increased the price of its flagship model Nissan Micra, by up to 2% with effect from today.

The hike will be applicable to both Petrol and Diesel version and will be in the range of Rs. 2,500 (0.5%) to Rs. 11,170 (2%).

While the prices of the locally manufactured Micra is being increased, the company left the prices for its CBU models like Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Teana and the Nissan 370Z untouched.

Commenting on the increase in prices of the Nissan Micra, Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor India said, “There has been a steady increase in the input cost over a period of time. It has come to a situation now that the price hike is inevitable and we have decided to increase the price of Micra.”

Source: Nissan Motor India Private Ltd

Nissan Micra Diesel Price Starts @ 5.85 Lakh Launched in Mumbai

Nissan Micra Diesel Price @ Rs. 5,85,617 for XV and Rs. 6,33,849 for XV Premium respectively (ex-showroom Mumbai prices).

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL), following the successful commercial launch of the petrol variant of its first 'Made-in-India compact hatchback –Nissan Micra -today announced the launch of the diesel-powered Micra in the city. The car was launched at Ichibaan Nissan – the company's authorized dealership in Mumbai. Sales for Diesel-powered Micra will commence from the dealership starting today. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, NMIPL, Manoj Kumar –VP Operations, Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd (HAI) –the strategic alliance partner for Nissan in India, accompanied by other senior officials of Nissan and HAI attended the launch event.

Nissan also plans to launch 9 models by 2012, out of which company plans to launch sedan in 2011. Company's plant has an initial capacity of 2,00,000 units per year and plans to expand it to 4,00,000 units per year. The company has 21 dealers operational in major cities across the country and aims to have more than 100 dealers by 2013.

Nissan Micra Diesel Features, Mileage, Variants, Colours:

Nissan Micra Diesel is born out of the need to simplify the city chaos and enrich the urban driving experience. It is a reliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. Nissan Micra Diesel is a smart, global hatchback with an affable appearance and engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-competitive fuel efficiency. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl (as approved by ARAI), making it the best in its class.

The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra will be available in two variants of XV and XV (premium). Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The ex-showroom Mumbai prices for Nissan Micra Diesel are Rs. 5,85,617 for XV and Rs. 6,33,849 for XV Premium respectively.

Positioned in the B+ car segment, the Micra Diesel is powered with the popular 1.5litre Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan's versatile 'V' platform. The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at 47Kw (64PS) @ 4000 rpm, while torque output is 160Nm @ 2000 rpm. The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.5-litre engine to achieve brisk acceleration in city driving conditions. The engine is refined and very silent, thus well adapted for Indian conditions.

Commenting on the launch Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor India said, "The success of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce the Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micra with its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itself in the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are aware this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services"

Says Manoj Kumar, VP –Operations, Hover Automotive India, "Ever since we launched the petrol variant in July, we have been flooded with enquiries for Micra Diesel. I am confident that the Diesel-powered Micra, is a good value proposition and a desirable option to choose from, for the Indian customers during this season. We are elated with the initial response the pre-order bookings have generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch. We keenly look forward to replicate the success of the petrol variant with the Diesel-powered Micra. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched nationwide with a comprehensive multi-media marketing campaign featuring our brand Ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. We will also be using some non-conventional forms of media to maximize the product visibility and increase sales."

A comprehensive multimedia ad campaign (T.V., Radio, Print and Digital) has also been launched to support this activity. In July this year, Nissan launched the petrol variant of its first made in India global compact car –Nissan Micra (Global compact hatchback), based on the Versatile 'V' platform at its factory in Oragadam, Chennai. Since the sales began on July 15, 2010, the company has till date sold over 6000 units of Micra. With the launch of Micra Diesel, Nissan will add another variant to its product kitty providing the customers with a good choice.

Source: Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL)

Nissan Micra Diesel To Hit Indian Roads in December 2010

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL), following the successful commercial launch of the petrol variant of its first ‘Made-in-India compact hatchback –Nissan Micra announced that the diesel variant of Micra will hit Indian roads in December 2010. The Nationwide sales for the Diesel-powered Micra would commence from December 10, 2010. The announcement was made by Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, NMIPL, Dinesh Jain –CEO, Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd (HAI) –the strategic alliance partner for Nissan in India, accompanied by other senior officials of Nissan and HAI.

Nissan Micra Diesel is a smart, global hatchback with an affable appearance and engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-competitive fuel efficiency. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl (as approved by ARAI), making it the best in its class. Positioned in the B+ car segment, the Micra Diesel is powered with the popular 1.5litre Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan's versatile ‘V' platform.

The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at 47Kw (64PS) @ 4000 rpm, while torque output is 160Nm @ 2000 rpm. The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.5-litre engine to achieve brisk acceleration in city driving conditions. The engine is refined and very silent, thus well adapted for Indian conditions.

Speaking on the occasion Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, Nissan Motor India said, "The success of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce the Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micra with its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itself in the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are aware this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services"

Starting November 7, 2010, the Nissan dealerships across the country have already commenced the bookings for the Diesel powered Micra. A comprehensive multimedia ad campaign (T.V., Radio, Print and Digital) has also been launched to support this activity. Says Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India, "Ever since we launched the petrol variant in July, we have been flooded with enquiries for Micra Diesel. I am confident that the Diesel-powered Micra, is a good value proposition and a desirable option to choose from, for the Indian customers during this season. We are elated with the initial response the pre-order bookings have generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch. We keenly look forward to replicate the success of the petrol variant with the Diesel-powered Micra. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched nationwide with a comprehensive multi-media marketing campaign featuring our brand Ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. We will also be using some non-conventional forms of media to maximize the product visibility and increase sales."

Nissan Micra Diesel is born out of the need to simplify the city chaos and enrich the urban driving experience. It is a reliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra will be available in two variants of XV and XV (premium). Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be marketed and sold in India and subsequently will be exported to South Africa next year.

In July this year, Nissan launched the petrol variant of its first made in India global compact car –Nissan Micra (Global compact hatchback), based on the Versatile ‘V' platform at its factory in Oragadam, Chennai. Since the sales began on July 15, 2010, the company has sold over 5000 units of Micra. With the soon-to-be launched Micra Diesel, Nissan will add another variant to its product kitty to cater to its Customers' choice.

Unique Proposition
The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra is equipped with some key technological innovations, which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. The Micra Diesel offers first-in-its-class Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror.

Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information and cruising range. In addition, the driver power windows are fitted with ‘one touch up/down' feature along with a pinch guard.

Source: Nissan India

Nissan Motor India Starts Nissan Micra Exports

Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) announced the start of exports of its ‘Made-in-India’ Global compact hatchback - Nissan Micra. The first major consignment of 3866 cars left Ennore Port to cater to the demands of the European markets.

Marking the event, Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director & CEO, NMIPL, Mr. S Velumani, Chairman & MD, Ennore Port Ltd (EPL) along with Capt. D K Mohanty, Director –Marine Services, EPL and Mr. Julius V Niedo, Captain of the Vessel flagged off the first Micra for shipment. Nissan has thus become one of the first companies to use the eastern gateway port of India as an export base. The Nissan Micra is expected to be exported to over 100 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The company aims to export over 110,000 units in the fiscal year FY10-11.

MOL Auto Logistics (India) Pvt Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K Lines handles the Inland Logistics transportation for the exports consignment from Oragadam plant to Ennore port and Ennore Automotive Logistics Ltd., a joint venture company of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and SICAL Logistics Ltd. handles the port compound management and ship loading operation in Ennore Port. The consignment was shipped in a Pure Car Carrier Vessel from Nissan Motor Car Carrier, a privately owned shipping company owned by Nissan, Mitsui O.S.K Lines and Hoegh.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama said, “It is a defining moment for all of us at Nissan in India as we begin a new chapter of business through the start of Exports today. This milestone completes our vision of making the Chennai plant a strategic hub for both the domestic market as well as for exports. Exporting of the Micra to various countries would also mean showcasing the high-quality of Indian engineering which matches international standards and will now be on the Global map for everyone to witness.”

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Akira Sakurai, MD & CEO, Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) said, “This is a tremendous achievement. We are grateful to the collaborative and tireless efforts of all our employees, our partners and suppliers for achieving this milestone in a short span of time. It is also a proud moment as it symbolizes our successful trade relations with India, thanks to the encouragement and support of the Government authorities.”

Earlier, in April this year, Nissan successfully tested out the first trial consignment of six cars to Barcelona from its Oragadam Plant to Ennore Port.

The export model of the Nissan Micra, built on a new versatile V-platform, is produced to comply with different safety regulations and environmental rules as applicable in different developed markets. Nissan Micra, the Global compact car, was designed and tested in Japan and fine-tuned to meet the differing tastes and needs of customers worldwide. The Nissan Micra is a reliable, stylish and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. The compact hatchback, with its affable appearance, is also engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-leading fuel efficiency.

The plant at Oragadam near Chennai operates in full compliance with the Alliance Global Manufacturing Processes and Quality Standards. Its production management system, launched for the first time at any plant of Renault and Nissan, is based on mutual knowledge sharing and the best practices from both companies across the globe.

In 2008, Nissan had signed a MoU with Ennore Port Ltd. (EPL) to export its vehicles to various countries. Ennore Port Ltd is providing with a special berth space of 140,000m2 for parking vehicles and will give NMIPL the priority to use the newly developed marine facilities. The berth that is under construction will begin operations shortly.

Source: Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL)