Nissan to Launch Ultra Low Cost Car in India

Tata Nano to find a competitor soon. Japanese auto major Nissan Motor has entered into a JV with Renault to make small cars in India. The new ultra low-cost passenger car, which will be pried at Rs 134,000, is all set to take on the might of Tata Nano, presently the cheapest car in the world. Makers of Nano, listen up!

Apart from Renault, Nissan has also roped in Bajaj Auto for this venture. The Indian car maker's margin on three-wheelers is said to be more than the current margin of Nissan in the four-wheeler segment, and with this launch, Nissan plans to increase its profitability by taking advantage of Baja's expertise in low-cost production techniques.

Gilles Normand, Nissan's corporate vice president in charge of Africa, the Middle East and India, said in a recent interview that with this venture, the car maker plans to capture the potentiality of Indian auto market in the low-cost passenger car segment, and take advantage of its expertise in small-car production. India, known for being the prime destination for small cars, witnesses a significant yearly sale of cars that are priced below Rs 360,000.

So, if you are considering another stylish addition to your small car collection after Nano, then here it comes – just a wait of another couple of years, and Nissan Mirca will be right here in India by 2012.

Renault to Launch Electric Car Twizy in India

French auto major Renault has sketched out plans to introduce Twizy Z.E electric car in India by 2011. Renault intends to launch this zero-emission vehicle in order to amplify its market share in India. There is a seating capacity for two people who can sit one behind another.

Renault Twizy was showcased at the recently concluded Delhi Auto Expo 2010 where it the attention of large number of visitors because of its new concept and unique design.

Twizy Z.E. concept car is 2.30m in length and just 1.13m wide. The concept car is powered by a 15kW electric motor and has a driving range of 60 miles with the maximum speed of 46 miles/hour.

The price of the electric Twizy Z.E car is estimated to be around Rs 8 lakhs.

Renault Plans to Launch 7 Vehicles in India

The second largest car maker of France is all geared up to make a roaring entry in the Indian auto market. The decision of Renault to make a solo entry as an auto maker in India came after the company suffered a $3.8 billion loss in the first half of 2009.

Renault is ready to roll out 7 to 8 cars that include cars from a 1.1 liter hatchback to a luxury sedan. Till now, Renault has been selling cars in India in partnership Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M). Unfortunately, the company did not make much profit and was able to sell just 7000 cars in the past one year. Reviewing this decision, the automaker has planned to make its solo venture in India very soon.