Datsun’s India story didn’t exactly get a glowing start after its debut two years ago. But, that hasn’t stopped it from getting aggressive with its plans for this year.
The company is looking at increasing its exclusive sales outlets to 63-plus from last year's level of 42 dedicated brands outlets.
Talking to
Currently, Datsun also sells its models through 200-plus Nissan dealers, where Datsun now has what is the equivalent of a shop-in-shop. When asked about what the company will do differently this year to expand its operations here, Cobee said it is working on a strategy to improve its brand experience for customers and that across verticals there will be improved operations.
The combined brands — Datsun and Nissan — currently have a market share of 1.5 per cent in India. They are targeting a market share of 5 per cent by the year 2020, he added.
At the Auto Expo, Datsun is trying to gauge the interest of potential customers for the GO-Cross concept — the showcase of what a possible compact SUV from the brand could look like.
Cobee said the company will take a call about productionising the vehicle based on feedback from potential buyers and other stakeholders.
Sustainable gowthAsked about the possibility of a sedan on the GO platform, he said the GO+ can be the solution for buyers looking for a four-metre sedan.
There has been a downturn in some of the emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, South Africa and India, where Datsun has launched with a special focus on the middle class. Sales have been affected because of this, said Cobee.
But these are mostly reactions to the unprecedented growth that these markets have seen earlier. A more sustainable growth will set in within the next few years in these markets, he added.