Nissan expects to have more than 50 dealerships in India by 2012, selling more than 100,000 vehicles per annum
Japanese carmaker, Nissan Motor Co has announced that it has appointed Hover Automotive India Private Ltd to develop its sales network in India, with the aim of establishing more than 50 dealerships by the year 2012, which will sell a total of more than 100,000 vehicles in that year.
‘Hover is a strategic partner that offers the necessary sales, marketing and dealer development expertise to ensure our success in India,’ Nissan Motor Executive Vice President Carlos Tavares said. Hover is a subsidiary of the Westmont Group, a global consortium with a diverse portfolio in hotels, real estate, customer service, brand management and marketing.
Hover’s operations in India will be led by Mumbai-based GM Singh, who has experience in car retail and rental franchises. Kevin Whalen, an entrepreneur with experience in developing dealer networks in the United States, will also be a part of the team.
With French company Renault holding a 44% stake in Nissan, Japan's third-biggest auto manufacturer, currently has five sales outlets in India, from where it sells the X-Trail SUV and the Teana luxury sedans, both imported as CBUs from Japan. Nissan sold 533 vehicles in India last year.
Nissan is looking has aggressive expansion plans for India, and the company expects to launch eight new cars here, including the Murano crossover, over the next five years. Apart from selling CBU imports, Nissan will also manufacture various models in India, at its upcoming plant near Chennai, where production is slated to start by 2010.
