Nissan Evalia Production Reportedly Halted

Updated: Monday, June 10, 2013, 15:15 [IST]

According to a report on Team-BHP, Nissan has decided to pause production of the Evalia MPV. The reason behind this is to clear inventory build up, post which it is expected to receive a makeover.

Nissan Evalia, an extremely popular commercial vehicle in outside markets, was launched in India in mid-2012 with high hopes. Strangely, (or maybe not) Indian customers have not taken to the Japanese MPV well. Sales have been miserable, reaching only a fraction of the numbers reached by competitors Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova.

It is expected that Nissan will relaunch Evalia after a short break. When it hits the market again the MPV could come with several changes and upgrades. Changes could come in the form of captain seats for the mid-row, slider windows replacing the existing butterfly type windows, repositioning of the rear AC vents from the boot to a more conventional position and such.

Nissan will most definitely not tinker with the existing 1.5 liter diesel engine, which is perhaps its only selling point as far as Indian buyers are concerned.

However, there is no guarantee that Evalia will click post refresh. In the coming months the launch of another MPV could jeopardize Nissan's attempt to resurrect Evalia's fortunes during its second innings. The new MPV will be a rebadged version of the Evalia, expected in July, from Ashok Leyland's stables. The new Stile from Ashok Leyland will be cheaper than Evalia. This will make it a viable choice for the commercial market.

So, why do you think Nissan Evalia has been a flop in India? Give us your opinions in the comments section below.