[AWD]

Originally Posted by GTO

For a brand that harped on the "safety" aspect after giving even the basic Micra an airbag, they sure have undone all that goodwill by taking away ABS entirely from the diesel!

Not providing ABS is a bad move for sure but how many people remember that Nissan laid emphasis on "Safety", atleast I don't. Most diesels in India have lower kit levels than their petrol siblings. I also don't think that they will loose on any goodwill merely on "Safety" because typical Indian buyers don't ask for it. For even the ones who ask, its pretty low on the list.

If Nissan manages to price it right, all things could be forgotten very-very quickly.

[pb10gagan]

According to Auto Car India Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched at 5.2 Lacs on December 10.

The top end variant will cost around 6.2 Lacs

[dhrishikesh]

Micra Diesel will be here in December 2010. Nationwide sales of the diesel version of the Nissan Micra hatchback will commence from December 10, 2010. India will be the first country to have the popular 1.5 litre K9K Diesel engine which according to tests conducted by ARAI does 23.08 kmpl.
The 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder, 8-valve, SOHC with common rail injection pumps out 64 ps @ 4000 rpm and 16.3 Nm @ 2000 rpm. The common rail diesel is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and can hit a top speed of 158 kph. The diesel Micra will be available in two variants; XV and XV Premium. The XV Premium version gets diver side airbags, fog lamps, automatic air-con, 15 inch alloys and a roof spoiler among other standard features.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. & CEO, Nissan Motor India said, “Thesuccess of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introducethe Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micrawith its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itselfin the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are awarethis is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services”.
Here is the news regarding prices of Micra Diesel:
Nissan Micra D XV - Rs.5.6 Lakhs
Nissan Micra D XV Premium - Rs.6.2 Lakhs.
Links:
Nissan Micra diesel price | Vicky.in | Indian Automobile Blog | Car Reviews | Bike Reviews | Test Drive Reports | Pictures | Videos
Diesel powered Micra to hit Indian roads in December 2010 | Indian Cars & Motorcycles Blog

[designersf]

I still do feel it is on the higher side and those figures are for Ex-Showroom Delhi. Other regions will have to shell out more than that. I think, it will hit Rs 6.2-7.0L OTR Delhi, above the Figo Titanium and several other diesel hatchbacks. Will it create a stir?

[GTO]

Here's the exact specs & feature list.

[avishar]

Nissan must seriously ramp up dealer network soon.Although ever since its launch the Micra has been able to maintain the 1.5k mark it is starting to stagnate.Nissan must increase reach to increase sales so that it does not recede away from the customers mind.

[GTO]

Avishar, believe me, from the manufacturer's point of view, dealers are a highly coveted lot. With the multitude of brands that have entered the Indian market in the recent past (VW, Nissan etc.), and the existing ones that are expanding their product portfolio (e.g. Ford with the Figo), everyone wants more dealers. Trouble is, it's tough to find entrepreneurs willing to invest a big rupee, with the commitment required to ensure customer satisfaction.

It's all the more tough for a brand that Nissan that has only just launched a relevant product in the Micra (the Teana & X-Trail were hardly moving off showroom floors). They have 15 dealers who aren't doing too bad....what with averaging 75 cars of sales each. More will come (Nissan plans for 30 by the year end), while dealer interest will only go higher once their upcoming C segment sedan is launched.

[avishar]

I agree with you GTO about the problems of the setting up new dealerships.I have heard the dealerships dont really make much a margin these days,with increasing cost of materials,the ex factory price is going up.

However they can invest a bit of their own money and set up company owned dealerships.When they reach a critical level say 50 dealerships and better sales the Nissan brand will become more attractive for potential entrepreneurs.

[xingamazon]

Originally Posted by avishar

they can invest a bit of their own money and set up company owned dealerships.When they reach a critical level say 50 dealerships and better sales the Nissan brand will become more attractive for potential entrepreneurs.

Theoritically this might make sense, for Nissan has good amount of money in coffers. But practically, no manufacturer would do it, for many reason.
First, it would make current dealers feel that they dont have equal playing field.
Second, more customers would prefer Nissan owned dealerships as they would percieve it to be better service.
Third, its something that do not come under the core competency of a manufacturer, they would like to concentrate on what they the best.

[indivic]

Originally Posted by xingamazon

Third, its something that do not come under the core competency of a manufacturer, they would like to concentrate on what they the best.

Exactly, thats why they have left marketing,sales and A*S*S to
Application for Nissan Dealership

[arvind71181]

Saw an ad in TOI today stating that bookings are open for the Micra from today. Any updates on this?

[designersf]

Originally Posted by arvind71181

Saw an ad in TOI today stating that bookings are open for the Micra from today. Any updates on this?

Bookings opened two weeks back.

With the Etios here, would you rather buy a petrol Etios or a diesel Micra? Couldn't resist putting this up.

[arvind71181]

Originally Posted by designersf

Bookings opened two weeks back.

With the Etios here, would you rather buy a petrol Etios or a diesel Micra? Couldn't resist putting this up.

My take is that people will not want to buy a sedan which has minimum features. They would go for a hatch which has better features. Thats what i would do at least.

But since its Nissan here about which we are talking, as it does not have the presence of Toyota, people might consider the Etios. Once the Etios hatch comes though, I guess there would some real tough competition between all the hatches

[designersf]

I don't think the Etios hatchback will have much competition from Micra thanks to the number of dealerships Nissan currently has. Toyota has wider reach and a very strong brand name. Nissan need to build up their brand with better marketing as opposed to the mundane ones featuring Ranbir Kapoor.

Im not against Ranbir in any way but just feel that those ads are not good enough.

[allinbalance]

Larger sales numbers on a reasonably priced small hatch = greater pressure on after sales service. Right?

I mean does it not seem like the "cart before the horse" syndrome here?

Say, for example - if Micra Diesel proves everyone wrong and sells 8,000 - 10,000 pieces in 2 months. Can Nissan even hope to cope - even with normal service requests with such a thin service base?