Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL), a 100% subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Japan, has increased the prices of its models in response to rising input costs. The increase, which applies to all variants, ranges from 1.5% to 2.5% and are in effect from February 1, 2013.
Prices for the Nissan Micra B segment Hatchback go up by 1.5%, the Nissan Sunny C segment sedan gets pricier by 2% and the urban class utility vehicle, Evalia by 2.5%.
Mr. Nitish Tipnis, Director – Sales & Marketing, Hover Automotive India (Nissan Motor India’s national sales company) commented on the price rise- “The price rise, which we have held back for several months, is to offset rising input costs and also ease the impact of currency fluctuation. Although we have to make this adjustment, our cars continue to represent outstanding value for our customers within the Indian market.”
Nissan India was incorporated in 2005 and offers products across hatchback, sports, SUV and sedan segments in India. Nissan together with its global alliance partner Renault has set up a manufacturing plant and a Research & Development Centre near Chennai.
Nissan has appointed Hover Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. as a sole distributor for India to handle sales and marketing, dealer development, customer relationship,management and after sales. Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL) registered sales of 33,270 units in FY 2011.
It may be noted that majority of car makers in India have announced price hikes for their cars in Indian market. The rise in prices is due to the rising manufacturing costs and hence slimming margins for the manufacturers. It remains to be seen if the upcoming union budget will negate the burden on car buyers due to the hike in prices by various manufacturers.