Nissan India to launch 3 new cars from 2026 as MD confirms long-term commitment

"Every six months you will have a new car," Vatsa said, stressing that the two C-SUVs are ground-up products. "The C-SUV seven-seater is not just a plug-in plant or an extended version of the five-seater. It is a completely differentiated version. You will see that the two vehicles look and feel different," he added.

For Nissan, the fresh pipeline comes at a time when its domestic volumes have been modest. The company sold 27,881 units in FY25, compared with 30,146 units in FY24. Over the last five years, Nissan's market share has moved between 0.65% and 1.23%, with the peak coming in FY22 when it sold 37,678 units, largely on the back of the Magnite's initial demand. Despite the relatively small base, the company has set itself a target of achieving 1,00,000 domestic sales by FY27, along with 1,00,000 exports in the same year. "As far as Nissan is concerned, we have already declared that by FY27 we are targeting 1,00,000 domestic sales and 1,00,000 exports," Vatsa said.

Nissan Domestic Volumes and Market Share

A key part of this growth plan is the expansion of the sales and service network. Nissan currently operates 160 showrooms and 127 workshops, and intends to close this fiscal with 180 outlets. The next fiscal will see the network expand further to between 250 and 300. Vatsa pointed out that in large cities like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, Nissan wants to become more visible and dense, while also moving into new territories across Tier 2, 3 and 4 towns where car demand is rising. "Visibility in large territories like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai is crucial. We want to be more dense in big cities, not just sparsely located," he said.

On the manufacturing side, Nissan has rebalanced its stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), handing over the entire control to Renault. However, the Chennai facility, which has an installed capacity of around 4,80,000 units a year, continues to produce vehicles for both partners.

Vatsa explained that the restructuring was part of a larger global realignment and does not impact Nissan's presence in the country. "Earlier, when Nissan had a 71% stake, Renault vehicles were produced. Then the stake was rebalanced to 51%. Today, Renault is leading the factory operations, and we continue to produce vehicles. From a consumer perspective, nothing changes," he said.

The factory is expected to be operating at close to 90-95% utilisation by FY27, which Vatsa believes will allow both Nissan and Renault to maximise output. "Essentially, that factory is now going to be running to the brim, which is good because both players can pull volumes out of that factory," he said.

Exports have been Nissan's strong pillar in India. The company shipped 71,334 units in FY25, regaining a 9.26% share in passenger vehicle (PV) exports after a dip in FY24. Both Magnite and its C-segment sedan, the Sunny, are driving the export demand. The exports will get a further boost as the upcoming C-SUVs will also be shipped to global markets from India.

"By virtue of what we make in India, we have access to over 65 markets," Vatsa said, adding that the mix of the Magnite and the Sunny continues to provide good traction.

Nissan Exports and Market Share

While mass-market cars remain the focus, Nissan is also evaluating the possibility of bringing in premium models through the completely built unit (CBU) route. One of the most talked-about products is the Patrol SUV, which is scheduled for a global launch (right-hand drive version) in 2027. "A lot of people are reaching out to us, asking us to bring in some of the finest global products. We are considering multiple vehicles that are very tech-heavy. We will have to see what makes sense for the consumer," Vatsa said.

On the electric vehicle (EV) front, Nissan has not announced a definitive timeline but has not ruled out an entry either. "If we are generating volumes in India, we would also be considering alternative propulsion systems for the country. We will announce when we are ready," Vatsa said. Globally, the company has experience with electric models such as the Leaf and the Ariya.

Policy changes have also brought tailwinds for Nissan. The introduction of GST 2.0 has reduced tax incidence in the sub-four metre segment from 28% to 18%. For a product like the Magnite, this has created a strong value proposition with its price dropping by up to Rs 1,00,400. "Consumers will get massive support on the GST side with a reduction from 28% to 18%. Combined with festive offers, this will be a double bonanza," Vatsa said.