Next year, Nissan will endorse LCGC Datsun

BANDUNG. PT Nissan Motor Indonesia (NMI) targeting a sales increase by 5% in 2017. The increase in sales is expected to rise in line with economic growth, which is expected to be more prospective.

General Manager Marketing Strategy of PT Nissan Motor Indonesia (NMI) Budi Nur Mukmin explained that the sales target in 2017 will adapt with the economic conditions. However, the map of Nissan sales market will change in 2017.

The multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has been the mainstay of Nissan car sales during the previous years. Next year, Nissan will promote the low cost green car (LCGC) with three-row seating that resembles to MPV. Datsun is the mainstay of Nissan.

To date, the productions of Datsun have comprised 50% of the total NMI’s productions, while others are under the brand of Nissan. “To date, we produce LCGC Datsun for domestic market. We have not yet been planned to export,” Budi said.

NMI has exported the cars under Nissan brand to several countries. NMI has exported 300-400 units of the completely built up (CBU) Nissan cars to Thailand per month. NMI also has exported 50 units and 500 units of Nissan Grand Livina to Thailand and Malaysia, respectively.

In order to meet the sales target, Nissan will strengthen the after sales services by ensuring the availability of the spare parts. Furthermore, NMI will expand 10-15 new dealers. “Definitely, we will open (the new dealers) at the district level. Not in Java, but in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi," he said.

According to the data of the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo), the sales of Nissan car October 2016 fell by 45.9% to 11 895 units, while the sales of Datsun LCGC slightly increased by 1.5% to 24,148 units. (Muhammad Farid/Translator)