Nissan India Adds South Africa To Its Export Markets

Global auto major Nissan has expanded exports from its Chennai plant to South Africa.

The company has recently introduced Datsun Go+ cars produced at at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Oragadam near Chennai in the South African market. South Africa is the latest addition to the export markets for Nissan India’s Chennai plant besides Nepal and Sri Lanka and it also enhances the foreign car maker’s position as a major contributor to India’s Make in India drive.

"We are delighted to see the Datsun GO+, manufactured with pride at the Renault-Alliance plant in Chennai, introduced for sale in South Africa," said Guillaume Sicard, president, Nissan India Operations.

Following on the success of the India-built Datsun GO's launch into the small car segment in South Africa, the Nissan India chief said the GO+ is another example of its "Make in India" models' making a mark in overseas markets.

Sicard said the exports from India continue to help Nissan build its presence in the local economy.

Nissan India said in a Friday (September 9) statement that the Chennai plant has exported more than 620,000 cars since the operations began at this facility in 2010.

Currently, the Chennai plant exports vehicles to 106 countries.

Recent models at the Chennai plant for export include Datsun GO, Datsun GO+, Datsun redi-GO and Nissan Sunny, among others. The exports of Datsun redi-GO cars produced in Chennai went on sale in Nepal and Sri Lanka in July and August respectively.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance Chennai plant plays an essential role in the development of Nissan Motor’s business in India. The export of Datsun GO+ to South Africa signifies the increasing popularity of India-made Nissan products for export markets, as well as the skill and dedication of the Chennai plant employees.

The plant has a capacity to produce up to 480,000 units per year. It is a major contributor to the local economy and has created over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs, the company said.

According to Nissan India, the launch in South Africa of the Datsun GO+ mark Datsun’s ongoing commitment to broaden the brand’s reach in global markets and it continues to expand its range to the benefit of local motorists as well.

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd, which was incorporated in 2005, is a 100 per cent subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, Japan. It currently offers products across hatchback, MUV, SUV and sedan segments in India under two brands –Nissan and Datsun. Nissan together with its global alliance partner Renault set up a manufacturing plant and a research and development centre near Chennai.