The Hindu Business Line : Nissan Motor keen on expanding CBU portfolio

Mumbai, Sept. 12 Nissan Motor India is looking at expanding its CBU (completely built unit) portfolio. The company that has already introduced two models (X-Trail & Teana) in the same portfolio is contemplating to introduce more models in the Rs 20-lakh plus segment, said senior officials.

They further commented that the new model line-up is not finalised but it is more likely to be equipped with more features, like luxury, performance and will definitely be on the higher side of the price bracket. Currently, the X-Trail and the Teana is available at Rs 24.99 lakh and Rs 20.67 lakh, respectively.

Nissan has a wide variety of cars in the mentioned price bracket, though senior officials were particularly keen on introducing more models in the same luxurious sedan or SUV model range that they are currently present in. However, the possibility of ruling out a famous iconic model like the 350 Z could not be ruled out. It would be a combination of two-three models in the car segment and a similar number of models for the SUV range, thus complementing the whole luxurious passenger car segment.

While the CBU product portfolio is been evaluated, Nissan has already launched the new look X-Trail in the UK, the same model is likely to hit the Indian market by next year-end, said senior officials.

The most important note on the new looks of the SUV lies with its interiors. The old model (that is currently present in India) has a unique centrally located instrument console in mesh with the centre console on the dashboard.

The company has gone back to the drawing board to revert to the traditionally styled left or right hand location of the instrument console.

Experts believe that the company must have responded based on customer feedback. It is too early to say whether it would propel sales or take a set back as that was the unique selling point of the SUV.

Though the UK model comes with a manual and an automatic transmission option, it is too premature to say whether the Indian subsidiary would offer the same option to its prospective customers.