
Nissan Magnite: Japan automaker bets big on small SUV to revive India biz
By any measure, Nissan Motor Co Ltd has had a dreadful run in India. A push to revive its lower-end Datsun brand flopped, sales have slumped 60% over the past five years and its sole plant in the country is operating way below capacity.
But the amount of money and energy that Nissan – battered by scandal and expecting a record $4.5 billion annual operating loss – will spend to turn its fortunes around in India will hinge on the sales of one vehicle, its new Magnite compact SUV, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The SUV may also determine how much heft Nissan will wield as it and alliance partner Renault SA thrash out their respective roles in the Indian market.
Unveiled this month and due to be launched either late this year or early