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India's population of 1.2 billion is a lure for automakers hoping to ring up big sales numbers, albeit with cheaper prices and lower profit margins. But the Datsun enters the Indian market at a tough time. Sales of passenger cars fell by 10 percent in the April-June quarter from the previous year, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. Indian consumer spending has been hit by an economic slowdown and high interest rates that make car loans less affordable. Plus, it's unclear whether the Datsun brand -- which still retains wide name recognition in Western markets
-- will translate to emerging markets' younger consumers. Nissan officials have acknowledged that downside but said the brand still stands for good styling, durability and safety. Ghosn said in 2012 that the Datsun name is part of Nissan's heritage and retains recognition, even in new markets.
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