Nissan is gearing up to introduce an affordable A-segment electric vehicle (EV) to the global market. Nissan Motor Corporation CEO, Makoto Uchida, has confirmed that this project is on track, and India is part of their strategic plan. According to Nissan Motor Corporation CEO Makoto Uchida, the business is developing a "global affordable EV," with India as a potential market.
A Vision for a Cost-Competitive EV in India
Speaking at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, Uchida highlighted the importance of preparing for the rise of electric mobility."We have a lot of plans and are working on an affordable A-segment EV for the future," he said. I do understand that the Chinese are coming up very strongly on EVs, and as a pioneer, we are prepared and are getting ready to show our capabilities in the affordable end of the market. We are working on our cost competitiveness and we will introduce an EV that will be acceptable to a larger segment of buyers."
Nissan's Impressive EV Track Record
Nissan's commitment to electric vehicles is evident in its impressive track record and the company has globally sold over 1 million electric vehicles. This commitment is further reflected in their recent showcase of five different EV concepts at the Japan Mobility Show which marks a significant milestone for the company.
Collaborative Investment in the Indian EV Market
Nissan, in collaboration with its alliance partner Renault, previously announced a substantial investment of 0 million (approximately Rs 4,913 crore) in India and this investment is dedicated to the development of C-segment and A-segment electric vehicles, reinforcing their strong presence in the Indian EV market.
A Different Approach: The Skateboard All-Electric Platform
Francois Bailly, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for the AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania) region, has shed light on Nissan's approach to electric vehicles in India. He explained that Nissan is going "all-in" on the electric vehicle market in India. This method comprises transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) or multi-powertrain vehicle platforms to an all-electric skateboard platform. This plan similar to Tata Motors', aims to provide a stable foundation for the company's EV lineup.
The Potential for a Magnite EV
When asked about the possibility of a Magnite EV, Bailly emphasized Nissan's commitment to electric mobility in India, stating, "Our approach is either all-in or don't enter. We are convinced that EV sales will expand significantly in India, thus we have made the decision to invest heavily in EVs." Nissan is now researching the possibility of localizing cells and batteries in order to guarantee that their EVs are reasonably priced and competitive in the Indian market.
India's Growing Significance in the Global Market
Bailly recognizes India's importance in the global automotive market, stating that India is among the "top 3 markets globally" with a Total Industry Volume (TIV) of about 4 million. He highlights that India, one of the global markets with the quickest rate of growth has the capacity to supply EVs to both the home market and other countries.
Expanding the EV Lineup: A Glimpse into the Future
Nissan's vision goes beyond the A-segment EV. In order to demonstrate its long-term commitment to electric mobility in India and abroad, Bailly makes indications that the company may release more EVs across a variety of segments in the future. Nissan is considering introducing the imported Ariya EV to India in 2024. Additionally, the CMF-B platform, which underpins Nissan's C-segment SUVs planned for India, could potentially give rise to an electric vehicle in the future.
A Fast-Growing EV Market in India
The Indian electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth, and Nissan aims to be a significant part of this transition and their dedication lies in providing a competitive substitute that conforms to the changing tastes of Indian customers. Nissan is displaying their continued commitment to innovation in electric transportation by designing a Micra EV prototype for worldwide markets in addition to the A-segment EV.