Renault-Nissan head Carlos Ghosn said last week that Nissan was committed to developing a low-cost, small car with Bajaj Auto by 2011, in spite of differences between the companies. Speaking on the sidelines of the India Economic Summit, Ghosn said that the affordability of the car was important not only for India but for emerging markets all over the world. He could not, however, say with certainty whether the $2,500 price tag would be strictly adhered to.
Ghosn was all praise for India’s capabilities in frugal engineering, and said that this was significant in the context of the global downturn and the shift towards lower-priced cars. He said he was optimistic about the growth of the auto market in India.
Renault-Nissan’s small-car project with Bajaj Auto had run into difficulties a few months back with major differences emerging between the companies during the product planning stage. While Bajaj Auto was focused on the mileage factor, Nissan was more particular about sticking to the low price. With Ghosn reiterating Nissan’s commitment to the project, it seems that the much hyped small-car will see the light of day, after all.
