Nissan speeds up Micra?
NISSAN’S European sales may dip below half a million in 2009, reports news agency Bloomberg News.
This may force Japan’s third-largest car maker to rush through the next Micra.
Originally due for launch in 2011, the maker may bring this forward – as it says that a lack of small, affordable models is hurting its fortunes in the current market.
Bloomberg reports that Nissan’s strategy chief, Pierre Loing, also wants to up supplies of the new Pixo city car, built by Suzuki in India.
This sub-£6000 model is being launched by car dealers in the summer.
The current Micra is built in Sunderland. Nissan has already said that it will be replaced by a new small crossover vehicle. Sunderland is also enjoying strong demand for the popular Qashqai Ford Focus-sized crossover.
Sales of the current ageing Micra are falling fast, so any aid a new supermini Nissan can bring will be welcomed by car dealers.
Lower production costs in India would mean Nissan car dealers could charge less for the future new Micra – increasing its competitiveness against modern rivals.
The Pixo has already proven that such a set-up can provide competitive levels of build quality and driving prowess. Nissan car dealers will thus be hoping for any hastening of the new model possible…
Tags: micra, new, Nissan, pixo, sunderland