Nissan Pixo: New Affordable Mini Car Made in India to Debut in Paris

Along with the revised 2009 Note mini MPV –see photos and details here- Nissan will also stage the global debut of its all-new mini car, the Pixo at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India, the Pixo is essentially a rebadged and restyled version of the new Suzuki Alto. Although hasn’t released pricing yet, the Japanese carmaker supports that when the Pixo goes on sale in Europe in spring 2009, it will be offered at ‘an extremely accessible price’. -Continued

Measuring 3,565 mm long, 1,470 mm tall and 1,600 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,360 mm, Nissan’s Pixo is roughly the same size as Fiat’s Panda mini car. According to Nissan, five-door hatchback can accommodate four passengers with comfort. he Pixo will be offered with an efficient three cylinder 1.0-litre engine matted to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox while buyers can also opt for a full four-speed automatic.

Toyota Starts Construction of Second Indian Plant

Toyota Motor Corporation or TMC for short held an official ceremony on Thursday (July 31, 2008) to mark the beginning of construction of its second plant on the outskirts of Bangalore in India's Karnataka State. The new plant is scheduled to have an annual production capacity of 100,000 passenger vehicles (including a new compact vehicle) when it begins operation in 2010.

Proton to Enter Indian Market in 2009

Malaysian national carmaker Proton has announced its plans to enter the burgeoning Indian market that currently supports annual sales of about 1.5 million passenger vehicles. Initially, the Malaysian company will market three models, the Savvy, the Saga and the Persona with sales expected to begin in early 2009. Proton is also negotiating with a joint-venture partner in India to manufacture and market its cars. "We are looking at a number of possible joint venture partners in India with a strong focus on marketing," said Syed Zainal, managing director of Proton Cars.

Renault – Nissan Break Ground For New Indian Plant That Will Build The New Micra

Today, French carmaker Renault and its affiliate Nissan performed the ground breaking ceremony for their new passenger vehicle plant in Chennai, India, that’s expected to begin operations in 2010. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 400,000 and will produce vehicles for export and the local market for both Renault and Nissan, including the all-new Nissan Micra and the Renault/Dacia Logan. The 50:50 joint venture between Renault and Nissan, represents an investment of a minimum of €780 million / U.S. $1.1 billion.

Renault to Launch High-End Version of Logan Sedan in India

Apparently there are plenty of customers in India who wouldn’t mind paying a few extra bucks or in this case, rupees for a more luxurious version of the Renault / Dacia Logan. The low-cost Logan sedan is produced in India through a joint venture with domestic automaker Mahinda & Mahindra or M&M for short.

M&M Renault will sweeten up the Logan not with chocolate chips, but with a new music system, higher quality upholsteries and different trim. According to M&M’s vice president Rajesh Jejurikar, the top-end Logan will be launched in the Indian market in July.

Hyundai Developing $3,500 Minicar for India

Following the example of Tata Motors and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Hyundai has revealed plans to develop a super low-priced mini car in India by 2011 or 2012. The announcement was made to Indian reporters by Hyundai India’s managing director, H.S. Lheem, on the sidelines of a traffic event on Friday. Lheem also noted that the small car would not be limited to India as there is high demand for such vehicles in many other countries around the world.

Honda to Develop New Minicar for India

Honda’s Indian arm, “Honda Siel Cars India Ltd” has revealed its plans to develop an all-new mini car in order to grasp a larger chuck of India’s booming small car segment which accounts for about 80 percent of the total market. "We plan to enter the small car market with a vehicle that will be manufactured at our new unit coming up in Rajasthan in two years time," Honda Siel Cars India's President and CEO, Masahiro Takedagawa told reporters earlier this week.

Via: TheHindu