Nissan re-enters Indian car market; unveils SUV

The Japanese auto major entered the market after over two decades with its multi-purpose SUV X-TRAIL, which will have two variants.

Japanese auto major Nissan Motors Co on Friday announced its entry into Indian car market with the launch of its multi-purpose SUV X-TRAIL at the ongoing 7th Auto Expo in New Delhi.

This marks the re-entry of the third largest car maker of Japan in the Indian market. The company had an alliance with Hyderabased-based Allwyn for trucks in the eighties.

The company will introduce two variants of the SUV - Elegance and Comfort, which will be imported as CBUs (completely built units). The two versions are likely to be priced in the region of Rs 20 lakh.

"In 2004, the company is entering into Indian market with the launch Nissan X-TRAIL. The Indian market is new for us and we will try to sell as much vehicles as we can", said Nissan Motors Co's general manager Yasuaki Hashimoto.

Asked if the company would set up a manufacturing base in India, Hashimoto said such a manufacturing base requires a lot of investment and the company has not taken any decision to this effect, as yet. "We will study the market before any major financial commitment", he added.

The company would set up four dealerships in four metros for sales and service.

The SUV X-TRAIL features a 2.2 liter turbo diesel engine producing 100 kW/4000 rpm horsepower and 314Nm/2000 rpm of Torque.

The vehicle, which was first launched in Japan in October 2000, has already been introduced in 180 countries world wide.

Nissan is also exhibiting its vehicle at the Auto Expo for the first time. It is already providing truck engine and transmission parts to some Indian companies.