EXCLUSIVE!

Buoyed by the good response to the Terrano, Nissan is looking to get more SUVs to India. “The Terrano is a big hit. So this is telling us something about SUVs (in the Indian market). SUVs are a great segment in which we’d like to play; it’s a matter of time,” said Takashi Hata, chairman for Africa, Middle East and India, Nissan Motor Company, speaking to Autocar India.

Nissan’s global portfolio includes SUVs of different sizes, engine capacities and construction (ladder frame and monocoque), of which, many are under consideration for India. However, the Juke, Rogue, Qashqai and X-Trail are likely to be leading the list of prospects.

Interestingly, Nissan is also studying the viability of assembling in India. “In order to play in the Indian market, you have to produce. Producing isn’t an issue. We have the capacity, engineering and Nissan’s capability. But the plan has to be right.” Hata said. Local assembly could enable Nissan to have an SUV offering in the Rs 20  lakh price bracket.

With Nissan having set itself a target of achieving 10 percent market share in India by 2020, a compact SUV is also likely to be a part of Nissan’s SUV push.

Nikhil Bhatia