After testing the Indian market with the Datsun Go hatchback, the Japanese car-maker is all set to make its presence even more prominent by setting up Datsun exclusive dealerships across the country before 2014 comes to an end. With parent company Nissan doing fairly well for itself independently, the introduction of the low budget Datsun Go created quite the stir selling 5000 units since March 2014 itself. As of now Datsun is sharing showroom space with Nissan, but after having tasted success in the initial couple of months there is a growing sense of belief among the bosses and dealers alike that the Datsun can hold its own in one of our tougher car segments.
As Kenichiro Yomura, President, Nissan Motor India, told The Hindu, “The transition has been smooth, and we are in the process of strengthening our sales, marketing and service teams. Almost all dealers have come under our fold. We have also received a lot of proposals from our existing dealers to open exclusive outlets for Datsun brand. We will take a decision on those proposals by the end of this month.” Nissan is planning a hub-and-spoke parts distribution model, and is looking at Mumbai and Delhi for setting up such spare parts distribution centres. Chennai facility will act as a hub.
The Datsun Go is currently being offered in three variants – D, A and T trims in four different interesting shades. The hatchback is offered at a price of Rs. 3.12 lakhs for the entry level model, while the top spec model costs Rs. 3.69 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
With plans of introducing the Go+, an MPV by the end of this year and a ‘sub-small car’ using the ‘Go’ as a template once again, it makes more sense for Datsun to set up exclusive dealerships as soon as possible. The exclusive showroom and servicing space for the brand will help it maintain the momentum it has garnered in the past months.
News Source: The Hindu
