Nissan has indicated that the exclusive dealer outlets for selling its entry-level Datsun brand of cars would come up in the next six months.
The Japanese car-maker is presently selling Datsun Go, its low-budget car for the Indian market, through the existing dealerships, which are now managed by Nissan since its separation from erstwhile sales, marketing and distribution partner Hover Automotive India.
“The transition has been smooth, and we are in the process of strengthening our sales, marketing and service teams. Almost all dealers have come under our fold. We have also received a lot of proposals from our existing dealers to open exclusive outlets for Datsun brand. We will make decision on those proposals by the end of this month,” Kenichiro Yomura, President, Nissan Motor India, told this correspondent.
He pointed out that the company was aggressively focusing on building a brand image for Datsun and had sold over 5,000 units of Datsun Go since the launch.
But Mr.Yomura admitted that the entry-level car segment was bearing the brunt of difficult market conditions.
Meanwhile, the company is also strengthening its supply chain and service areas. It will launch phase-1 of service campaign in 54 cities for free check-up and discount on parts, among others, between May 9 and 18. It has also opened a 4.8 lakh sq ft parts distribution centre at Oragadam. It is aimed at ensuring quicker delivery of spare parts at its dealerships. The facility was built by Indospace, and Nissan has taken it on lease.
Nissan is planning a hub-and-spoke parts distribution model, and is looking at Mumbai and Delhi for setting up such spare parts distribution centres. Chennai facility will act as a hub.
