In 2014, Datsun India reported sales of 11,920 units. Nissan reported sales of 35,047 units over 24,095 cars sold in 2013 equating to 45.5 pct sales growth. In December 2014, Nissan sold 3,158 vehicles. Compared to 2,561 units sold in December 2013, 2014 Dec sales stood at 23.3 pct sales growth.
Datsun India initiate sales with the Go hatchback launch early in 2014. In Russia, Datsun on-Do was the first vehicle to be launched last year. In December, Datsun Russia sold 5104 units, 1000 cars more than it sold in November when 4011 cars were sold. In October, Datsun Russia sold 1779 cars. The year ended with 11414 Datsun on-Do cars on Russian streets. AEB automobile manufacturers committee affirms that on-Do entered the top ten list of most popular models in Russia for December 2014. The Russian market gets another sedan after on-Do, mi-Do.
Datsun Indonesia sold 20,520 units of Go Panca and Go+ Panca in 2014. The latter, a MPV and one of Indonesia’s low cost green car’s (LCGC) was launched in India earlier in January at a price of Rs 3.79 lakh onward. During pre-booking, 100 units of Datsun Go+ MPV were booked, wherein customers availed a free ‘welcome pack’. In October 2014, Datsun South Africa began operations with the first model on offer being the Go small car. Datsun has also showcased its Redi-Go concept.
On the branding front, Datsun India advertisements feature Alok Nath and Ayushmann Khurana showcasing a ‘Nayi Parampara’ trend. Outside of the TVC, Datsun is yet to become a brand of its own under Nissan’s umbrella. Furthermore, Datsun is being sold through a store in store model, hoping to leverage the Nissan brand value at least in the initial months of operation before Datsun India standalone stores are introduced.
Ritu Nissan dealership, inaugurated by Guillaume Sicard, President, Nissan India Operations, now sees the auto manufacturer operate 159 sales touch-points across 113 cities for both Nissan and Datsun cars. Sicard takes delight in inaugurating the third Ritu Nissan dealership at a prime location. Alongwith its dealer partners, Nissan looks to provide customers the best in products and services for a superior ownership experience backed by dealership expansion.
Ritu Nissan dealership is spread over 3000 sq. feet and showcases Nissan and Datsun cars. The service centre in Thane is spread over 22,000 sq. ft. with 18 bay workshops. Nissan India plans 300 touch points by 2016 to cover 95% of the population in India. Manoj Lalwani, Dealer Principal of Ritu Nissan strives to offer a customers experience that exceeds when purchasing a new vehicle or servicing to enhance brand loyalty.
