Not going anywhere: Nissan India MD junks exit rumours

Nissan India quashes exit rumours, reaffirming its long-term commitment with plans to launch three new models from 2026. The automaker will invest $700 million, expand production, and grow its dealer network, starting with the Magnite CNG launch on June 1. Exports to form 50% of future output.

Nissan, auto, car news, Nissan Motor India, CNG, manufacturing, Renault
(Reuters)

Nissan Motor India has dismissed speculation about its exit from the country, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the domestic market with plans to launch three new products starting early 2026.

Speaking at a media roundtable on Wednesday, Saurabh Vatsa, managing director of Nissan Motor India, said the company is here to stay and aims to expand both its portfolio and presence in India. “Nissan is not going anywhere. We are staying in India,” Vatsa asserted.

He addressed concerns arising from Nissan’s recent divestment in its manufacturing joint venture with Renault, saying, “I must put to rest any speculation that we are exiting India just on the basis of our divestment in Renault Nissan Automotive India (RNAIPL). These rumours trouble customers and employees — direct and indirect.”

Vatsa clarified that the global restructuring at Nissan has no impact on its India operations.

On March 31, Renault announced its acquisition of Nissan’s 51% stake in RNAIPL for an undisclosed amount. Vatsa said this move will not affect Nissan’s production plans, which remain firmly on track.

Nissan plans to launch three new models in India starting 2026. The first will be an MPV based on the Renault Triber, set for launch in the first quarter of next year. This will be followed by an SUV —Nissan’s version of the upcoming Duster — expected by mid-2026. A seven-seater variant of the SUV is scheduled for release in 2027.

All the upcoming models will be E20-compliant, aligning with the government’s ethanol-blending fuel policy.

To support these launches, Nissan will invest $700 million in India between 2025 and 2027. The company is targeting a production of 200,000 vehicles by the end of FY27, with 50% of this volume earmarked for exports.

Meanwhile, Nissan also announced the launch of a CNG variant of the Magnite. The car will come with a government-approved CNG retrofit kit, priced at an additional Rs 74,999, and will be available at dealerships starting June 1.

Initially, the CNG variant will be offered in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, with plans to expand availability nationwide in a second phase.

Nissan also plans to grow its dealership network from around 160 outlets at the end of 2024 to 180 by the end of this year.

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This article was first uploaded on May twenty-eight, twenty twenty-five, at forty-one minutes past eleven in the night.
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