Nissan starts Micra production

Nissan Motors India has commenced the commercial production of its made-in-India hatchback, the Micra. The compact car will be manufactured at the company’s Oragadam plant near Chennai. The customers will get an opportunity to take a look at the all-new Nissan Micra when it goes on display in the showrooms, on May 25, 2010. 

Mr Toshiyuki Shiga, Chief Operation Officer, Nissan Motor Company, rolled out the first car off the assembly line in Oragadam. Speaking on the occasion, Shiga said, “The start of commercial production of Nissan Micra is the beginning of a new chapter for us in India. In an exponentially growing and challenging Indian automobile industry, we are introducing a product that has been specifically designed keeping in mind the discerning consumer needs of India.”

Looking at the number of enquires the Micra received since it’s unveiling; the company has begun pre-order bookings for the hatchback across all its showrooms in India. The customers can book the car for an initial booking amount of Rs 50,000, however, sales of the Micra will commence in July 2010.

Nissan’s plant at Oragadam that is spread over an area of 640 acres represents an investment of Rs 45 billion and has a production capacity of 400,000 units per year at full ramp up. However, the initial production capacity at the plant will be 200,000 units with one line and the company is looking at producing more than 80,000 units in FY10.

The made-in-India Micra will be exported to markets such as Europe, Middle East and Africa. Nissan is also looking at making the Chennai plant as a global hub for exports. Production of the first batch for export market will commence in July 2010 and the first shipment would begin from September 2010.