Nissan Micra Diesel in India Coming in December 2010

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL), following the successful commercial launch of the petrol variant of its first ‘Made-in-India compact hatchback –Nissan Micra announced that the diesel variant of Micra will hit Indian roads in December 2010. The Nationwide sales for the Diesel-powered Micra would commence from December 10, 2010. The announcement was made by Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, NMIPL, Dinesh Jain –CEO, Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd (HAI) –the strategic alliance partner for Nissan in India, accompanied by other senior officials of Nissan and HAI.

Nissan Micra Diesel is a smart, global hatchback with an affable appearance and engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-competitive fuel efficiency. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl (as approved by ARAI), making it the best in its class. Positioned in the B+ car segment, the Micra Diesel is powered with the popular 1.5litre Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan's versatile ‘V' platform.

The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at 47Kw (64PS) @ 4000 rpm, while torque output is 160Nm @ 2000 rpm. The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.5-litre engine to achieve brisk acceleration in city driving conditions. The engine is refined and very silent, thus well adapted for Indian conditions.

Speaking on the occasion Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, Nissan Motor India said, "The success of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce the Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micra with its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itself in the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are aware this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services"

Starting November 7, 2010, the Nissan dealerships across the country have already commenced the bookings for the Diesel powered Micra. A comprehensive multimedia ad campaign (T.V., Radio, Print and Digital) has also been launched to support this activity. Says Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India, "Ever since we launched the petrol variant in July, we have been flooded with enquiries for Micra Diesel. I am confident that the Diesel-powered Micra, is a good value proposition and a desirable option to choose from, for the Indian customers during this season. We are elated with the initial response the pre-order bookings have generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch. We keenly look forward to replicate the success of the petrol variant with the Diesel-powered Micra. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched nationwide with a comprehensive multi-media marketing campaign featuring our brand Ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. We will also be using some non-conventional forms of media to maximize the product visibility and increase sales."

Nissan Micra Diesel is born out of the need to simplify the city chaos and enrich the urban driving experience. It is a reliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra will be available in two variants of XV and XV (premium). Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be marketed and sold in India and subsequently will be exported to South Africa next year.

In July this year, Nissan launched the petrol variant of its first made in India global compact car –Nissan Micra (Global compact hatchback), based on the Versatile ‘V' platform at its factory in Oragadam, Chennai. Since the sales began on July 15, 2010, the company has sold over 5000 units of Micra. With the soon-to-be launched Micra Diesel, Nissan will add another variant to its product kitty to cater to its Customers' choice.

Unique Proposition
The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra is equipped with some key technological innovations, which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. The Micra Diesel offers first-in-its-class Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror.

Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information and cruising range. In addition, the driver power windows are fitted with ‘one touch up/down' feature along with a pinch guard.