Nissan Considering Adding Datsun to Africa

The NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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12 videos
-RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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Alliance sees emerging markets as its future. It bought AvtoVAZVAZRussian Federation, 1966 > present8 models
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earlier this year and will use it and DaciaDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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to expand into Russia. Renault is also working on a large factory in Tangier, Morocco, and considering a second in Algeria. Renault will sell mostly Renault-badged Dacias on the continent. Now it appears that Nissan wants to follow and launch Datsun in Africa as well. 

"The Korean manufacturers, the Indians and Chinese are more aggressive in emerging markets. In order to penetrate frontier, growing markets like the African market, we need a product," said Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga 

Initially, DatsunDatsunJapan, 1931 > 198636 models
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was planned to launch in Indonesia, India and Russia. It says that it is considering adding Africa but has not made a final decision yet. 

TataTataIndia, 1945 > present5 models
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and GeelyGeelyChina, 1986 > present5 models
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are beginning to target Africa's growing customer base. Nissan and Geely are competing against each other in South Africa. The MicraNissan Micra Gen.4Japan, 2010 > 201645 versions
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costs 110,000 rand ($13,200); while the comparable Geely LC costs 95,000 rand ($11,465).

Nissan currently builds 50,000 cars a year in South Africa and about 90,000 total in Africa. That will increase dramatically when the Tangier factory opens. It will have a 170,000 unit annual capacity when it opens, and work will begin immediately on its expansion to 400,000 annual units. 

The rate of car ownership in Africa is still low at about 1 car per 1,000 people. However, the brands moving into the region want to capture the mind share early and become associated with quality, affordable cars. 

Renault Expanding to Africa to Diversify Out of Europe

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Source: Automotive News