Nissan Will Launch Its Own Duster Clone

Published: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 11:58 [IST]

It is well known fact the Renault and Nissan are joint venture partners. Both carmakers collaborate while product development and sell similar cars that are branded as Nissans and Renaults world wide. Both have a high percentage of models that have the same platform. Platform sharing between Nissan and Renault has now gone to greater heights with both carmakers selling exact replicas of each other's models but with different names.

This was very evident when Renault unveiled its India specific small car the Pulse. There is little doubt that the Pulse is a replica of the Nissan Micra. After Renault took Nissan's model, it appears the French carmaker is reciprocating by offering its Duster SUV to Nissan. Reports say Nissan is planning to build its own version of the Duster in India.

Renault which is planning to launch three new models in India is expected to launch the Pulse early next year and follow it with the Duster. Nissan which currently sells the X-trail premium SUV does not build any SUVs in India. The Duster which happens to be a low cost SUV will be the best choice Nissan currently has.

The Duster is a five seater SUV that comes with both petrol and diesel engines. Further it is available with both two wheel drive and four wheel drive. Considered as a rugged SUV in Europe, the Duster is built in Romania.

Nissan's duster clone could pretty much carry the same mechanicals and look the same too. If Nissan truly wants to have a distinct brand image in India it must not make copies of a car that will hit the market soon. This Nissan Duster will only manage to create internal competition between Renault and Nissan.

Article Published On: Thursday, November 17, 2011, 11:58 [IST]

Read more on: #nissan #renault #suv #micra #small car

More from DriveSpark