Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) Nissan unveiled its multi-utility vehicle Evalia Thursday the first day of the 11th Auto Expo here.

“We want to show India the depth of Nissan’s global offering and that expanding range of innovative cars underlines the strategic importance of India to Nissan’s future growth plans,” Nissan Motor corporate vice president Gilles Normand said.

However, the company did not divulge the price or the date of launch.

According to Normand, the company’s bullishness regarding the Indian market was evident by the fact that Nissan would be opening a second production unit at its Chennai plant.

“Such is the demand for products built in India that we have brought forward plans to open a second production line at our state-of-the-art Oragadam plant near Chennai,” Normand said.

“The second line that will open in March will create 1,500 jobs at the plant.”

The company, which is displaying its popular offerings like GT-R and Leaf, said that it is weighing the market for their launch in India.

“I can say that we are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the market plans. I can confirm that we are committed to launching a range of innovative and exciting models in India,” Normand added.

The company’s brand ambassador — Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor — was also present at the event.

The 11th edition of the Auto Expo began Thursday and will go on till Jan 11.

The event at the sprawling Pragati Maidan promises a slew of launches and first-time exhibits of vehicles in virtually every segment, and hopes to draw some 500,000 footfalls, said the organisers.

Held every two years, the event is being co-hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA).