New Delhi: Japanese auto maker Nissan is looking to double its sales and service touchpoints in the next three years, while also building a strong line up for Datsun brand in India, as part of its efforts to control the declining sales and share.
The company, which currently has 270 touchpoints, also plans to hire 1,500 people in FY18 at its R&D centre and digital hub in South India, to enhance its product portfolio in India.
While 500 people will be hired at Nissan’s global digital hub in Kerala, another 1,000 engineers will be brought on roll at Renault Nissan Technical and business center (RNTBCI).
“The Nissan brand will bring the best of global Nissan products and technology to our customers in India, starting with the Nissan Kicks. For Datsun, we aim to offer compelling products across segments offering value, connectivity and Japanese engineering,” said Peyman Kargar, Senior VP of Nissan Motor Co Ltd.
As part of India growth strategy, the company looks to reinforce itself as a premium mainstream brand by launching new products, starting with its SUV ‘Kicks’ in 2019 and expanding regional marketing and sales operations teams to four key regions across India.
The company will further develop the Nissan design center in Chennai to ensure cars meet the rapidly changing standards.
Kargar, who is also the Chairman of for Africa, Middle East and India, said, “Our aim is to ensure our operations in India are best in class, and that India becomes an even more significant global hub for Nissan and the Alliance in manufacturing, engineering and research and development.”
Other India plans include increasing plant utilization enabling greater efficiency. Currently, the plant has an annual production capacity of 4.8 lakh and employs around 7,000 people at its R&D centre.
The Renault Nissan Alliance operates the R&D centre through the Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre for India in Chennai. The Alliance’s plant in Chennai is a global manufacturing hub exporting to 106 countries.