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Japanese carmaker Nissan said on Tuesday it will launch its Micra small car in the Indian market in July from a plant in the south co-owned with its French partner Renault.

“We will produce 80,000 units of Micra in the first 12 months beginning in May,” Renault Nissan Automotive managing director Akira Sakurai said, according to Dow Jones Newswires.

The Micra was unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva auto show.

Separately, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. Chief Executive Kiminobu Tokuyama said, “The company needs to have a local network to support sales. So, initially we will focus on exports.” He said the company expects to have 82 dealerships across India to boost local sales.

Mr. Tokuyama said the company will sell nine models in India by 2012, of which five will be locally produced. Apart from Micra, Nissan will launch a sedan based on the Micra platform in 2011 and a multi-purpose vehicle based on the same platform by 2012.

The Franco-Japanese carmaking alliance on Tuesday confirmed plans for another small car in the future, with its local partner, motorcycle and scooter manufacturer Bajaj Auto.

“We have room for another product, a small car, with Bajaj. This would be not just for Indian markets but for emerging markets too,” Carlos Ghosn, chief executive of Renault-Nissan, said.

“The Micra will be competitive in terms of price and features with other Indian cars,” Ghosn told media at a press conference in Chennai, where the car will be manufactured.

“To compete in India one must manufacture and source components locally, and meet Indian consumer needs,” Ghosn added.

Nissan sold between 200 and 300 cars in India last year, all imported.

India and its 1.2 billion-strong population is a huge draw because of the low number of car owners.

Several automakers including Ford, Toyota and Honda are in the race to launch small cars in India in the next two years, to rival the Tata group’s Nano, dubbed the “world’s cheapest car” at 100,000 rupees (2,200 dollars).

Just eight per 1,000 Indians own a car, compared with 550 per 1,000 in Germany and 495 in France.

The Indian auto market is forecast to triple over the next decade to six million cars a year from the current two million.

Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC), a Nissan subsidiary in China, today announced the expansion of its global design resources with the establishment of a new design studio in Beijing.

“With the addition of 20 designers, Nissan’s new studio will enhance our design capabilities, as well as our product competitiveness in China and Asia where the automotive industry continues to see robust growth,” said Shiro Nakamura, chief creative officer and senior vice president of design and brand. “Locating the studio where our customers live and work allows us to best respond to their needs and design vehicles that exceed their expectations.”

Scheduled to open early in 2011, the studio in the Chao Yang district of Beijing will be the first design facility in China established by a Japanese automaker. As a trendsetting city with an expanding design community that includes a number of up-and-coming automotive designers, Beijing was a natural choice for a design studio for Nissan.

The studio will be part of the global network of Nissan design centers, which includes two facilities in Japan (Atsugi and Harajuku), one in the United States (San Diego, Calif.) and one in the United Kingdom (London).

NCIC plans to invest RMB 11.76 million (USD: 1.7 million) in the new studio.

Mazda Launches New Mazda2 Sports Sedan Offensive With Celebrity “Pae” Arak As Presenter

Bangkok, Thailand – March 16 2010 – Mazda Thailand has announced its plans to further penetrate the highly-competitive Thai automobile market. After the tremendous success achieved with the Mazda2 5-door hatchback that rocked the Thai subcompact market when introduced in late 2009 and achieved sales of 5,500 units, Mazda is now introducing the much-awaited sports sedan version of the Mazda2. For the Sedan version, another style of popular musician/actor “Pae” Arak Amornsupasiri is being presented, clearly stressing upon the sporty elegance with unique styling of the new Mazda2 sports sedan. This strategy is targeted at members of “Generation NOW”, who have been raised in the digital age and have a unique lifestyle just like the new Mazda2, which comes with a launch campaign – “New Mazda2 Life Continues”. Like other models, the new Mazda2 sports sedan comes with the strong Mazda “Zoom-Zoom” identity with its sporty and distinctive design, as well as a large and comfortable interior and 5-star European NCAP crash rating. The new Mazda2 sports sedan is a high-quality sub-compact car that promises driving enjoyment and is available for Thai customers at a starting price of only Baht 535,000.

John Ray, managing director at Mazda Thailand, said the extremely successful launch of the Mazda2 hatchback in mid November 2009 has given Mazda a dramatic leap forward with unprecedented sales success. “The success level of the Mazda2 surprised our Mazda’s competitors who are watching us closely now,” John said. “It is important for us to work more closely with our dealers in order to ensure our success this year through various projects and initiatives. Apart from our sales success, Mazda has always given importance to expanding our sales and after sales service network and our objective is to have 130 Dealers across the country by December this year and all will feature the new Mazda Corporate Image and cater to the increased sales and servicing demand. We will also ensure a higher level of customer satisfaction in vehicle sales, financing, parts or service, as well as elevate the Mazda brand to a stronger position among the leaders in the Thai automobile industry,” he said.

John Ray added that for 2010, Mazda has set a sales target of 35,000 units, which reflect a 164% sales growth over 2009. “The new Mazda2 sports sedan and the 5-door hatchback model will be our most important products this year, and the combined sales target for these two models has been set at 24,000 units. Meanwhile, the Mazda3 will maintain its excellent performance with sales of 5,000 units and sales of the Mazda BT-50 sport pickup is expected to reach 6,000 units, plus another 78 units of premium models namely the Mazda CX-9 and Mazda MX-5.

The new Mazda2 sports sedan comes into the small passenger car market with an image that is sportier but still provides families with a car that responds better to the customer needs and requirements. In addition, the Mazda2 comes with innovative technology and stylish design that captivates all, whether standing still or in motion. With Mazda’s renowned suspension expertise, safety protection with 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating and the 103-hp MZR power plant that offers excellent performance across the engine speed range, the new Mazda2 sports sedan will surely capture the hearts of Thai car buyers.

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The all new Nissan March is for people who love simplicity, designed as a reliable, stylish and accessible compact car, the Nissan March is engineered for great handling and agility performance, equipped with a newly developed powertrain 1.2 liter. 3-cylinder engine (HR12DE) with 5 M/T and all new CVT based on the newly developed V-platform.

Design
“Its face had to look stylish and have an air of sophistication to it” comments Mr. Makoto Yamane, Associate Product Chief Designer. A unique design feature of this car — its double-layer integrated grille — meets these requirements. But the car’s classic shape was also crucial. That’s why it also employs a stylized version of the distinctive arched side window line, something that is central to the March’s heritage, identity and appeal

Retaining its compact dimensions, the new car is slightly longer and marginally lower, while its longer wheelbase enables a ‘wheels-at-each-corner’ stance, the main reason behind the March’s roomier interior. The boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof have a clearly defined purpose too, continues Yamane. Aiming to create the same sense of exterior style inside the car, Nissan has employed a ‘connected cocoon’ design featuring a dashboard design which takes on a ‘twin bubble’ theme. This refers to the circular instrumentation binnacle and the similarly shaped glove box compartment on the passenger side.

All-new 1.2-litre Engine and XTRONIC CVT
The all new Nissan March is powered by an all-new HR12DE 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. Inheriting its DNA from the HR16 4-cylinder engine powering the Tiida, Note, and Qashqai, the new engine employs continuously valve-timing control (CVTC). Power is rated at 59kW (79ps, while torque output is 108Nm. At only 120g/km, CO2 emissions for this version are world-class.

The Nissan March comes with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s all-new XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (XTRONIC CVT). The wide gear coverage enables the 1.2-litre engine to achieve economy and brisk acceleration.

Nissan engineers developed ride and handling characteristics which combine agility, refinement and poise. Mounted onto Nissan’s new signature V-platform, the suspension has been designed to be both compact, minimizing intrusion at the rear for maximum trunk space, but not at the expense of the car’s on-road dynamics. Particular attention has been paid to bump absorption, meaning that the March will ride serenely over challenging road surfaces, not suffer from wallow or float, and cruise effortlessly at highway speeds.

Comfort, function and equipment
In contrast to its high speed capability, the car also has superb visibility and a class-topping turning radius of 4.5m and several new technologies that assist with minimizing C02 emissions and mileage while at the same time making parking easier.

The new March is available with some key technological innovations which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. It also offers special option of Intelligent Key + Immobilizer, a push button start-stop system, automatic foldable mirror, and reverse sensor (4 points) in addition to a intelligent multi-display meter which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information, cruising range and outside temperature.

Safety
The incorporation of the V-platform is one major factor contributing to the car’s improved impact safety. The car is designed to absorb the forces of a frontal impact, thanks to the sophisticated crumple zones, while maintaining cabin integrity due to its highly reinforced body shell. We achieved European standard of safety under UNECE 94 and 95 (front and lateral impact). In Thailand, the March will be fitted with standard safety equipment such as SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, and BA

The introduction and sales of the Nissan March will come in 4 standard grades and 2 options grades and will be offered in 6 colors.

Colors

1.2S K23 Brilliant Silver
G42 Black Star
KAS Crystal Lilac

1.2E (MT/CVT)
1.2EL
1.2V
1.2VL K23 Brilliant Silver
G42 Black Star
KAS Crystal Lilac
JAD Spring green
A55 Sunlight orange
QX1 White pearl

Price list

NISSAN MARCH (K13) MSRP
Include A/C
with VAT
1.2 S MT 375,000
1.2 E MT 425,000
1.2 E CVT 459,000
1.2 EL CVT 489,000
1.2 V CVT 507,000
1.2 VL CVT 537,000

Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NMT) today celebrated the start of production for the all-new Nissan March, a global compact vehicle. More than 200 guests and employees were at the kick-off event, which included representatives from the Thai government, including Trirong Suwanakiri, deputy prime minister.

Officially launching March 26 at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2010, the Nissan March will be the first model offered for sale under Thailand’s “eco-car” program, created to encourage the development of energy-efficient vehicles.

To receive eco-car designation, requirements for low fuel consumption and emissions must be met, as well as passenger safety standards for front and side impact under the stringent standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE regulation 94 and 95). The Thai eco-car program is an initiative of the Ministry of Industry’s Board of Investment, which was successful in establishing Thailand as a manufacturing hub for pickup trucks.

“With an increasing vehicle population in Thailand and valid concerns about higher pollution levels in cities across the country, we’re introducing a product that will have fewer CO2 emissions and less environmental impact,” said Toshiyuki Shiga, COO of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “Very importantly, too, producing and selling the eco-friendly Nissan March in Thailand, as well as exporting it to other countries in the Asian and Oceania markets, will create jobs and contribute to the country’s progressive auto industry development,” added Shiga, who attended the event.

The start of production for March positions NMT as a center for excellence in manufacturing, R&D and customer care. Thailand will join China, India and Mexico as one of Nissan’s global manufacturing hubs for Nissan March (known as the Micra in Europe and other countries), which ultimately will be offered in 160 world markets.

Nissan March is built on a new versatile platform, the V-platform, and is designed to have broad appeal to customers in both developed and emerging markets. The designers in Japan worked to create a vehicle that would convey agility and robustness in the design. On this, they delivered. As well, March is a reliable, stylish and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. The compact hatchback, with its affable appearance, also is engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-leading fuel efficiency. The newly developed March powertrain features a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder engine with an output of 79PS (108Nm) and 120g/km CO2 emissions (under UNECE regulation 101) The Nissan March comes with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or Nissan’s all-new XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (XTRONIC CVT).

“The all-new March will simplify city life,” said Toru Hasegawa, NMT president. “March is a smart eco-car for people who enjoy their daily drives. New March drivers in Thailand will be pleased as well with the car’s modern and roomy interior and the many user-friendly technologies. It’s really the right car at the right time for this market.”

Dealers will accept customer bookings for Nissan March starting tomorrow, and vehicle delivery will start within a few weeks for the five-speed manual transmission version. Delivery of the March with CVT will begin in early June.

Priced from 375,000 baht to 537,000 baht, March will be sold through the NMT dealer network across Thailand.

As part of its mid-term business plan (named “Revolution 2012”) announced last October, NMT has targeted a more than 10 percent market share for Thailand. The company expects to achieve this mainly through the success of the eco-car project, launch of at least one new vehicle every year through 2012 and continuing quality improvements in the sales network. NMT FY2009 sales are expected to total 34,000 units, an increase of 22 percent versus FY2008. The company plans to sell 48,000 vehicles in FY2010, including 20,000 units of March.

NMT Key Facts

Establishment: November 1973

Location: Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok (main office)

Bangna-Trad Road, KM21, Srisajarakeayai, Bangsaothong, Samutprakarn (plant)

Annual production capacity: 200,000 units

Production models: Teana, Tiida (sedan/HB), Navara pickup, Frontier pickup, March

Dealer network: 94 dealers with 160 outlets

NMT-Group employees: 5,400 (including 3,000 temporary workers)

Mr. Kyoichi Tanada, president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd, Mr. Michihiko Sato, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation, and Mr. Wichien Emprasertsuk, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd, jointly introduced the New Vios…“Make It Happen” at the Renaissance Hotel on March 8, 2010.

The Road to Popularity

January 1997

In 1997 Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd wrote a new chapter in Thailand’s automobile industry by introducing the Soluna, the popular small car for Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. The Soluna was developed by Thai and Japanese engineers with a goal of producing a small car that is economical and has high ownership value under the AFC (Affordable Family Car) project. After the Soluna was officially launched, it gained tremendous success within a short time, and sales amounted to 81,000 units.

Five years later, Toyota came back to write history again with the successor of the Soluna – the Soluna Vios. Totally redesigned from the ground up as a sub-compact sports sedan that answers to various customer requirements, the Soluna Vios became one of the most popular models in Thailand with accumulated sales of 180,000 units. It played an important role in helping Toyota maintain the leading position in Thailand’s passenger car and total automobile market, and was also exported to the Asean region.

The Soluna Vios was succeeded by the third generation car – the Vios. Originating in Thailand with the slogan “My Design, My Pride”, the Vios set a new benchmark in the sub-compact market with its modern appearance, excellent fuel economy, nimble handling, cabin comfort, world-class safety and a large number of functions that customers require. This made the Vios the new sub-compact car that is superior to others in the segment.

After the Vios was officially introduced in March 2007, a total of 144,000 units have been sold (March 2007 to February 2010).

The Vios is the highest-selling model in the Thai sub-compact segment and the total market, thus Toyota gave much priority to the development of the New Vios under the concept “Make It Happen”. Among the challenges faced by engineers during the development stage included styling, reaching global quality standards, outstanding performance and driving confidence from modern safety features, shows that the New Vios will be well-accepted and win the hearts of customers in Thailand and overseas.

New Vios

Exterior…a reflection of outstanding qualities and luxury
- New front grille with chrome strip is sporty and luxurious
- New multi-reflector tail lights blend in naturally and are bright and safe
- New chrome strip on boot lid is luxurious in every angle
- New 15-inch alloy wheels with 185/60R15 tires
- Front fog lights help improve visibility during rain or fog
- Sideview mirrors with turn indicator are both luxurious and increase safety

Interior…get carried away with the sports luxury cabin that combines modern design with convenience
- New metallic center console and door panel blends in perfectly
- Leather gearshift knob and chrome gearshift housing for elegance and luxury
- Leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with audio system control buttons for added convenience and safety
- MID (Multi-Information Display) shows important data such as total distance, fuel economy and average speed
- AUX in for MP3 players

Engine and suspension
- Unparalleled power delivery and fuel economy
 1NZ-FE DOHC 16-valve VVT-i
 Displacement 1,497cc
 Max power 80kW(109ps)/6,000rpm
 Max torque 141Nm/4,200rpm

- Superb handling and ride comfort with the front McPherson strut suspension with stabilizer in front and torsion beam suspension at the rear.

Active Safety
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) brakes prevent the wheels from locking during emergency braking or braking on slippery surfaces
- EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) helps maintain balanced pressure between each wheel in order to achieve best stopping performance
- BA (Brake Assist) maximizes braking pressure during emergency situation to minimize stopping distance

Passive Safety
- GOA safety construction with strong passenger cell helps increase impact absorption
- Energy-absorbing construction with front and side impact beams lowers impact force during crash
- Side impact head protection lowers impact to driver and front passenger during crash
- Front SRS airbags protect driver and front passenger
- WIL (Whiplash Injury Lessening) on front seats to lower neck injury sustained from rear-end crash
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters keep occupants in place during accident and lower injuries sustained from seatbelts

A total of 7 unique colors to choose from
- Blackish Red Mica…New
- Light Blue Mica Metallic…New
- Super White
- Silver Metallic
- Medium Silver Metallic
- Black Mica
- Beige Metallic

A total of 8 models to choose from
- 1.5G Limited automatic
- 1.5G automatic
- 1.5ES automatic
- 1.5E automatic
- 1.5E manual
- 1.5J automatic
- 1.5J standard automatic
- 1.5J standard manual

Meet the official launch of the New Vios…Make It Happen
At 311 Toyota showrooms countrywide from today
and at the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show
from March 26 to April 6, 2010, at Bitec

Source : Pantip Ratchada