With the launch of the Tekton and it's three-row derivative, Nissan India will have expanded its product portfolio to four models, and thankfully the indications are that this is just the start of its much-needed product revival plan.
Interestingly, while the four models are all shared with partners Renault, Thierry Sabbagh president, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India said to Autocar India that Nissan is keen on launching its own and distinct models too and while Sabbagh was tight lipped on what these would be, alluding only to the Patrol, we understand that products from its Dongfeng joint venture, a 50-50 partnership that it has with the Chinese car maker since 2003, are possible contenders.
- New SUV from Nissan’s JV with Dongfeng under evaluation
- Could be positioned against likes of Fortuner, Gloster
- If things go to plan, it could launch in under two years
Nissan Terrano PHEV concept-based SUV likely on cards for India
The model likely to be the fore bearer of the Dongfeng products is expected to be the production version of the Terrano PHEV concept that was recently showcased at the Beijing Auto Show 2026.
The Terrano PHEV concept is an SUV version of the Nissan Frontier Pro/Dongfeng Z9 pick-ups, sharing the same ladder-frame construction and powertrain options as the latter two, which include a conventional internal combustion engine as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain; a first of its kind for Nissan. We understand that Nissan is keen on bringing the PHEV variant to India.
Low-cost base
Nissan's Dongfeng JV vehicles could be just what the doctor order. China offers a low-cost base and typically vehicles loaded to the gills with features, traits much sought after by Indian buyers. Development in China is also extremely quick and the Nissan Dongfeng JV can fully develop a vehicle in about 30 months – a period that can typically go up to 60 months.
A key to an India launch, however, will be to locally manufacture the SUV. While Nissan no longer has a stake in the Chennai plant it earlier shared with Renault, it has a capacity reservation of 2,50,000 units per annum - well beyond its current utilization. Furthermore, the plants total capacity of 5,00,000 units per annum is also far from being used, which means the Dongfeng range can easily be accommodated.
Nissan however will have to commit to additional investments to make this happen, but indications from the brand is that of a willingness to get things done in our market. “After the Magnite we didn’t really have a plan but now we have a well thought out one and our ambition is to stay and do well in India,” said Guillaume Cartier – chief performance officer at Nissan Motor Co. to Autocar India at the launch of the new gen Nissan Kicks.
Dongfeng could be possibly be Nissan’s best shot yet at success in our market, that demands low prices, plenty of equipment and frequent updates. There's no indication of when a launch could materialize but if things go to plan, we could see the first of these vehicles in under two years.
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
