Nissan brings back Datsun
NISSAN, Japan’s second largest carmaker, is bringing back the Datsun brand – but British motorists hoping to drive the discontinued range will be disappointed.
The firm said it is looking to increase sales in Indonesia, India, and Russia by reviving the brand for these emerging markets, and has no plans to roll out the vehicles in developed countries.
Phased out in 1981, Nissan is hoping that the Datsun will account for half of the company’s sales by March 2017 in those markets.
“It’s a green car, affordable car, small displacement, high local content,” Carlos Ghosn, chief executive officer, said.
A restoration of the Datsun would follow a growing trend to bring back heritage nameplates, including Toyota’s 86, Chrysler’s Dodge Darn, and partner Fiat’s 500.
Ghosn said Nissan plans $400m in investment over two years and will double hiring by 2014 in Indonesia.
Shares for Nissan Motors were up 7.4 per cent yesterday after the announcement.