“Datsun has got a winner product in the 800 cc entry-level hatchback lineup.
Pioneer Moto Corp, the authorised dealer for Datsun automobile for Nepal on July 26 launched the Datsun redi-GO at an attractive starting price of Rs 1.39 million. According to the company, redi-Go, Nepal’s first urban cross car, aims to redefine the entry-level care segment with its unique offering that combines spaciouness, best-in-class ground clearance and sheer fun of a crossover with zippy driving and fuel efficiency of an affordable compact hatchback.
Redi-GO has been introduced in five body colours: white, silver, grey, ruby and lime. It showcases a new Japanese design philosophy called YUKAN which stands for brave and bold and features tall-boy styling, states the company press release. It further states that the new vehicle comes with a comprehensive safety package - Datsun PRO-SAFE7 with features like short braking distance, a high strength body shell to help absorb potential impacts, good visibility and a wider view of the road. The car also has a superior suspension system, excellent maneuverability, high bolster support while cornering and energy absorbing steering wheel and driver airbag. The vehicle will be available at 11 Datsun sales and service centers.
Atul Shahane, Vice President of Vehicle Export at Nissan Motor India, was in Nepal to launch the car.
Redi-GO has been introduced in five body colours: white, silver, grey, ruby and lime. It showcases a new Japanese design philosophy called YUKAN which stands for brave and bold and features tall-boy styling, states the company press release. It further states that the new vehicle comes with a comprehensive safety package - Datsun PRO-SAFE7 with features like short braking distance, a high strength body shell to help absorb potential impacts, good visibility and a wider view of the road. The car also has a superior suspension system, excellent maneuverability, high bolster support while cornering and energy absorbing steering wheel and driver airbag. The vehicle will be available at 11 Datsun sales and service centers.
Atul Shahane, Vice President of Vehicle Export at Nissan Motor India, was in Nepal to launch the car.
Excerpts of a conversation with him.
How is Datsun performing in Nepal since its first launch?
I would like to take you to the heritage of the Datsun, a Japanese brand that has a history of 100 years. In Nepal, Datsun was being sold in 1970-1990 by the name of 120 Y and Blue Bird, so there were lots of Datsun already coming into Nepal. I also see a lot of old customers talking about Datsun here when I interact. It means Datsun has a very historical reach in the Nepali market.
We launched Datsun in Nepal in September 2014 and the overall response has been very positive since then. We have seen very good interest from the customers of Datsun GO. We have already imported around 800 units of cars in the last two and a half years of Datsun Go and GO Plus in Nepal. These have already been sold in the market. What people really like about Datsun GO is the spaciousness of the car. Overwhelmed by the market response, we launched GO Plus and carrying the same spirit we have now introduced redi-GO. In terms of expansion, we have a 3S (sales, serve and spare) facility in Kathmandu and we have expanded to 10 full-fledged 3S centers and our plan is to add an additional four centers by the end of this year. Next year we will increase another four 3S centers in Nepal. We have Go and Go plus, and now we have launched redi-GO.
I would like to take you to the heritage of the Datsun, a Japanese brand that has a history of 100 years. In Nepal, Datsun was being sold in 1970-1990 by the name of 120 Y and Blue Bird, so there were lots of Datsun already coming into Nepal. I also see a lot of old customers talking about Datsun here when I interact. It means Datsun has a very historical reach in the Nepali market.
We launched Datsun in Nepal in September 2014 and the overall response has been very positive since then. We have seen very good interest from the customers of Datsun GO. We have already imported around 800 units of cars in the last two and a half years of Datsun Go and GO Plus in Nepal. These have already been sold in the market. What people really like about Datsun GO is the spaciousness of the car. Overwhelmed by the market response, we launched GO Plus and carrying the same spirit we have now introduced redi-GO. In terms of expansion, we have a 3S (sales, serve and spare) facility in Kathmandu and we have expanded to 10 full-fledged 3S centers and our plan is to add an additional four centers by the end of this year. Next year we will increase another four 3S centers in Nepal. We have Go and Go plus, and now we have launched redi-GO.
What are the highlights of the redi-GO?
redi-GO is the latest offering from our company. If you talk about the design of the product, we call it Yukan design which means bold and strong in Japanese. We have also defined this car as the first urban-cross because if you see the ground clearance, approach handles and departure handles they are very similar to a SUV (sport utility vehicle). And it can maneuver over rough terrain very easily. It has a very zippy engine and in the 800 cc category, this is the best in terms of power and torque and it is also number one in terms of acceleration. Also because of the high ground clearance in this category, it has got all road capability. We have 185 mm in ground clearance whereas our competitors have between 170 and 175 mm. We also have day light running lamps which before used to be only in the high end cars. So this is another unique feature. The acquisition cost, running cost and the maintenance cost are all very competitive.
redi-GO is the latest offering from our company. If you talk about the design of the product, we call it Yukan design which means bold and strong in Japanese. We have also defined this car as the first urban-cross because if you see the ground clearance, approach handles and departure handles they are very similar to a SUV (sport utility vehicle). And it can maneuver over rough terrain very easily. It has a very zippy engine and in the 800 cc category, this is the best in terms of power and torque and it is also number one in terms of acceleration. Also because of the high ground clearance in this category, it has got all road capability. We have 185 mm in ground clearance whereas our competitors have between 170 and 175 mm. We also have day light running lamps which before used to be only in the high end cars. So this is another unique feature. The acquisition cost, running cost and the maintenance cost are all very competitive.
Why is Nepal a good market for so many automobile companies in your opinion?
The acceptance to new products is very good in Nepal. People in Nepal like new and exciting products. They also like change. I feel the economy is also doing well here. People want to become independent in terms of their transportation needs. Also because of the terrain, people are opting for private vehicles. This makes the Nepali market an appropriate market for many foreign car makers in terms of opportunity.
The acceptance to new products is very good in Nepal. People in Nepal like new and exciting products. They also like change. I feel the economy is also doing well here. People want to become independent in terms of their transportation needs. Also because of the terrain, people are opting for private vehicles. This makes the Nepali market an appropriate market for many foreign car makers in terms of opportunity.
What are the future plans and prospect for Datsun in Nepal?
I think this is very important market for us. If you look at the culture and buying pattern of Nepali customers, it is very similar to Indian customers. So this makes products that are suitable to India very suitable for Nepal too. We have immense potential here.
I think this is very important market for us. If you look at the culture and buying pattern of Nepali customers, it is very similar to Indian customers. So this makes products that are suitable to India very suitable for Nepal too. We have immense potential here.
Published Date: August 21, 2016, 12:00 am
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