Japanese auto maker Nissan, which plans to launch its global small car in the Indian market next year, will start the first trial production of the product from its Chennai plant in November.
“More than 30 units will be produced in the first trial production that will commence in November,” a source familiar with the development said.
When contacted a Nissan Motor India spokesperson declined to comment on the specific production schedules, but said construction of the Chennai plant was going ahead to meet the May 2010 deadline for launch of the small car in India.
The company has already started trial production of power train in September along with trial run of the body shop. It is currently installing stamping machines.
Nissan had recently revealed the sketch of its global compact car that would be produced in five countries, including India, China and Thailand, from next year.
“Our first car that is made on this global compact car platform in Chennai will have its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010,” the spokesperson said.
The company had announced an investment of Rs 4,500 crore in partnership with French firm Renault over a period of seven years for setting up the Chennai plant, which will have an initial capacity of around 200,000 units, scalable up to 400,000 units in the future.
