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Nissan Out Of Bajaj Low Cost Car Project
Nissan, the Japanese carmaker has finally ended the suspense over its association with Bajaj's low cost car project by stating it would not have any future partnership with Bajaj Auto. Nissan, its French partner Renault had signed a deal with Bajaj Auto in 2009 for the development of a new low cost car.
Bajaj Auto was responsible for the research, development and manufacturing of the new car while Nissan and Renault could use their network to market the product in international markets. Bajaj Auto has not been able to convince Nissan in continuing with the low cost car project.
Nissan's corporate vice-president, Africa, Middle East and India Toru Hasegawa has stated that Nissan would not be continuing its relationship with Bajaj on the low cost car, during the launch of the Evalia MPV in Delhi. This statement would also mean Nissan's partner Renault would also not be associated with Bajaj.
Bajaj had only displayed a four wheeler concept one year ofter it signed its deal with Nissan. It was followed by the RE 60 four wheeler that was first displayed at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj had stated the RE 60 was an upgrade to Bajaj's auto rickshaws and should not be considered as a car.
Both Nissan and Renault executives had visited the RE 60's Stall at the Auto Expo and we could say by their expressions and hushed conversations, they were not convinced by Bajaj's product. Both Nissan and Renault had also stated that if Bajaj's product did not match its quality expectations it would not be considering it.
Toru Hasegawa's statement yesterday can be considered as the final nail in the coffin on Bajaj's low cost car project, at least on the international arena. Bajaj Auto could as well develop the car and launch it independently in India.
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