With the launch of the Tekton and its 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 partner Renault, Thierry Sabbagh, president for the Middle East, KSA, CIS and India at Nissan, told Autocar India that the company is keen on launching its own, distinct models, too. While Sabbagh was tight-lipped about what these would be, alluding only to the Patrol, we understand that products from its Dongfeng joint venture, a 50-50 partnership with the Chinese carmaker since 2003, are possible contenders.
- New SUV from Nissan’s JV with Dongfeng under evaluation
- Could be positioned against the likes of Fortuner, Gloster
- If all goes as per 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 front-runner for 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 pickups, sharing the same ladder-frame construction and powertrain options, including a conventional internal-combustion engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s 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 ordered. China offers a low-cost base and vehicles that are typically loaded to the gills with features – traits much sought after by Indian buyers. Development in China is also extremely fast, 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 manufacture the SUV locally. While Nissan no longer has a stake in the Chennai plant, which it earlier shared with Renault, it has a capacity reservation of 2,50,000 units per annum – well beyond its current utilisation. Moreover, the plant’s total annual capacity of 5,00,000 units is 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 suggest 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,” the company’s chief performance officer, Guillaume Cartier, told Autocar India at the launch of the new-gen Nissan Kicks.
Dongfeng could possibly be Nissan’s best shot yet at success in our market, which demands low prices, plenty of equipment and frequent updates. There’s no indication of when a launch could materialise, but if things go to plan, we could see the first of these vehicles in under two years.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
