In what is being perceived as an attempt to focus more on locally assembled models, carmaker Nissan has announced production halt for its X-Trail SUV and 370Z coupe. The cars were brought into our market through the CBU route and hence couldn't be competitively priced. The Teana luxury sedan though, will still continue to be sold. 

 

The X-Trail SUV received one facelift across its lifecycle in our market and sold a measly 156 units across 2012 and a dismal seven last year. In addition to the high duty structure applicable, the weakening rupee has also played a damp squib for the CBU models' sales. There were no buyers for the 370Z last year.

 

However, the carmaker does have plans to introduce a premium SUV here and development is already underway.

 

Nissan's current range in our country comprises the Micra Active, Micra, Sunny, Evalia and Terrano and these models are put together at its Oragadam plant in Chennai.