Japanese automaker Nissan has announced plans to hire 1,500 persons in India both for its R&D center in Chennai and global digital hub in Kerala. Along with this plan, the company will also go in for a voluntary separation plan at the Chennai manufacturing unit and separate dealerships for Nissan and Datsun brands in the Tier III and Tier IV areas in the country.
This announcement was made by Peyman Kargar, Chairman of Nissan for Africa, West Asia and India and Senior Vice-President, Nissan Group. India being a leading market for the Japanese automaker, there was a need to strengthen both its R&D facilities and global digital hub.
Out of the 1,500 persons being recruited, 1,000 personnel will be for the R&D center in Chennai, where in a total of 7,000 persons are working on development work for vehicles in India and handling engineering activities for the company’s alliance with Renault. The balance 500 persons will be at the Global Digital Hub in Kerala.
As part of the company’s MOVE 2022 strategy, Nissan seeks to strengthen both the brands Nissan and Datsun brands in the country. Investments since 2009 have amounted to Rs 6,100 crores in India while the company will work towards expansion of the Chennai plant which is at only 40% utilized capacity as on date with annual production of 4.8 lakh units.
Nissan also seeks to expand its sales network to touch 270 sales and service points over the next three years. However, along with these expansion plans, Nissan also plans to reduce excess manpower at its manufacturing vertical, Renault-Nissan is offering employees a voluntary departure scheme which means that no employee will be forced to quit.
All permanent employees who are working at the plant as of 31st Aug 2018, can apply to take VRS. As part of the deal, Renault-Nissan will offer 3.5 months salary for each continuous year of service, leave encashment for un-availed leaves, gratuity, unpaid wages & bonus as well as medical insurance coverage up to Rs. 2 lakh for the employee and his family till March 31, 2019.
