Nissan will unveil its resurrected Datsun brand in Russia in April 2014 and shortly after that Datsun will be launched in Indonesia, India, South Africa and then most probably Malaysia. Datsun is seeking to lure young first-time buyers away from the used car market to its sub USD$12,100 (before taxes) compact car. Nissan retired the Datsun brand in 1981 but announced last year that it would relaunch the small car in emerging markets, targeting
All Datsun markets have a growing middle class with disposable income, high car density and an aging fleet on the road, all factors that should support future sales – but economic growth is vital for its survival and success. For Russia and the other left hand drive markets in Eastern Europe, Datsun will be produced at Avtovaz’s Togliatti plant. Nissan and French partner Renault have struck a deal to take control of Avtovaz by mid-2014.
