- Production of Datsun GO started at Oragadam Plant near Chennai, India
- Oragadam plant is the first factory globally to start production of the new generation of Datsun models
- Cars will be produced to world-class standards in Renault-Nissan Alliance plant
Today, the first Datsun GO rolled off the production line at the Renault Nissan Alliance plant (RNAIPL) in Oragadam, near Chennai, India. The new model heralds the introduction of the new Datsun brand to the Indian market, with sales starting in March.
The production launch of the new Datsun GO – on the factory’s ‘Line 2′ – was marked by a ceremony attended by many local dignitaries, including Thiru. P. Thangamani, Honorable Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu and Masanori Nakano, Honorable Consul General of Japan.
Speaking at the event, Toshiyuki Shiga, Vice-Chairman, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. said, “This is a landmark day for all of us at Nissan Motor Corporation. It represents the culmination of several years of extremely hard work to return the Datsun brand to the market”.
The Datsun GO which premiered last July in Delhi, India, is a modern five-door, five-seat hatchback conceived to offer accessible transport to aspirational, rising Indian families. The car was designed to offer a modern driving experience combined with spaciousness, quality and fuel efficiency for a new breed of customers who are enjoying the opportunities available to them.
The philosophy that will drive the success of Datsun is that its products will combine Nissan’s global know-how with local knowledge across development and production, to meet the specific demands of customers in the market. Thanks to this approach, the Datsun GO will be positioned at a uniquely accessible price point, giving customers an unprecedented opportunity to own a modern family car.
By building the Datsun GO at the plant in Oragadam, Datsun benefits from the combined industry-leading expertise of the Renault Nissan Alliance, using the latest manufacturing, engineering and development processes, as well as a local supplier base, to deliver a bespoke and class leading car to Indian customers.
The Oragadam plant is the first factory anywhere in the world to start production of the new generation of Datsun models. Oragadam will be followed by local production of Datsun models in other markets such as Indonesia and Russia later this year, bringing the brand to thousands of customers in high growth markets.’
Over 100 local companies supply components and parts for the Datsun GO, demonstrating the positive impact that the introduction of the Datsun brand is having on the local economy around Chennai.
“From day one, we knew that the key to the success of the Datsun brand was that the cars must be developed, engineered and manufactured locally. By working this way, we have a unique insight into customer needs which enables us to build a car that meets and even exceeds those expectations,” said Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun.
He added: “The Oragadam plant and its associated technical facilities are the equal of any other factory within the global Renault Nissan Alliance in terms of quality, efficiency and flexibility. As a result, customers will enjoy the Datsun GO as it raises the bar in every respect within its segment”.
- The Renault Nissan Alliance plant was inaugurated in 2010, just 21 months after the groundbreaking ceremony in 2008, a record for this scale of factory
- Nissan Motor Corporation’s investment in Datsun is just one part of its ongoing commitment to expanding its presence across its commercial, research & development and manufacturing functions in India.
