Nissan to roll out budget car by `10

Nissan, Japan's third largest car maker in which Renault holds 44 per cent stake, will churn out three models based on a single platform from its manufacturing base in Chennai by 2010.

The car will be sold in five countries categorised by the company as the leading competitive countries (LCC). The car, based on the A platform, will be produced in these countries that include India and Tailand.

All models will be capitalised on cost competitiveness, thanks to high levels of localisation through easy sourcing of components. The company is not present in the low-cost car category, and believes that there will be a lot of room for improvement.

While announcing the company's result for financial year 2007, Carlos Ghosn, chief executive officer, Nissan, said the company would also set up a technical centre in Chennai in partnership with Renault, where they are developing a 400,000-unit per year facility for passenger cars. Together, the Renault-Nissan alliance is the fifth largest automakers in the world.

Nissan is expecting sales of more than 200,000 units from India in 2012. The target will be achieved through its alliances with Bajaj, for a small car, Ashok Leyland for commercial vehicles, Renault for passenger cars and Hover for sales, marketing and dealer development support.