The first of the Datsun Go hatchback came off the assembly line at the Renault Nissan car plant here today marking the global relaunch of the new generation Datsun brand.

Nissan is making the Datsun first at the Oragadam factory near Chennai and later this year it will be manufacturing in Indonesia and Russia. The Datsun Go is targeted at the fast-growing middle income segment in the emerging economies, including Africa.

Nissan has positioned the compact five-seater as a uniquely accessible family car offering Nissan's global technology. Over a 100 local suppliers provide components.

Addressing a function to mark the roll out at the factory about 45 km to the west of Chennai, Toshiyuki Shiga, Vice-Chairman, Nissan Motor Co, said the marketing will start in March.

A second Datsun model will be launched by the year-end and a third in three years. Nissan will showcase a concept car at the Auto Expo indicating its long term plan.

By 2015-16, Datsun will account for half of Nissan's sales in India, he said.

Since 2010, the start of Nissan’s commercial production in India with the Micra global hatchback, its cumulative production has crossed 600,000 with 370,000 units exported.

Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun, and Corporate Vice-President, Nissan Motor, said the Datsun Go will be priced in the sub-₹4 lakh range. It will offer an unmatched performance in the segment with a fuel economy of more than 20 km to a litre of petrol. The car will come with a package of support services that will make it more accessible for the middle-income group.

In India, the Datsun Go will piggyback on the Nissan dealership outlets, but will have a dedicated sales team.

Suggested read: >‘If we convince the Indian buyer this is a good car, Datsun Go has a world market’

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