Latest news with #SaurabhVatsa
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First Post
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- First Post
Can Foxconn save Nissan's struggling Oppama plant despite Japan govt's concerns? Talks on
Oppama, one of Nissan's key domestic plants since 1961, has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles. However, its utilisation rate fell to just 40 per cent last year, well below the 80 per cent typically required to break even read more Nissan has no plans to exit the Indian market and is launcing three new products in 2027, said MD Saurabh Vatsa. Image courtesy: Reuters Nissan Motor is in talks with Taiwan's Foxconn to allow the electronics giant to produce electric vehicles at a Japanese plant that may face closure as part of the automaker's global restructuring, people familiar with the matter reportedly said. The potential collaboration centers on Nissan's Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa prefecture, south of Tokyo. A source at Nissan confirmed the discussions to Nikkei business. The plant employed around 3,900 people as of the end of October, and local governments have expressed concern about its future amid Nissan's plans to reduce its final assembly factories worldwide from 17 to 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Partnering with Foxconn, officially known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, would enable Nissan to preserve jobs and lower production costs. Foxconn aims to produce its own electric vehicles at the site, while Nissan could improve the plant's low utilisation rate by outsourcing surplus production lines to the Taiwanese manufacturer. Foxconn has been aggressively expanding its footprint in the EV sector. In 2024, it took a 50 percent stake in a chassis subsidiary of German auto parts maker ZF. It is now exploring a joint venture with Nissan to use the Oppama facility, sources said. Oppama, one of Nissan's key domestic plants since 1961, has an annual production capacity of 240,000 vehicles. However, its utilisation rate fell to just 40 per cent last year, well below the 80 per cent typically required to break even, according to data from research firm MarkLines. Nissan's declining global sales have exacerbated the plant's underuse. Closing the plant could trigger significant costs due to potential layoffs and disruptions to Nissan's local supply chain. Many affiliated parts suppliers are located near Oppama. The site also includes essential infrastructure such as a research center, test tracks, and a dedicated wharf for vehicle shipments. Shutting it down would require Nissan to replicate these facilities elsewhere, further complicating its vehicle development efforts. Foxconn has been seeking a manufacturing base in Japan since announcing its EV ambitions in 2019. In May, it signed a memorandum of understanding to supply electric passenger vehicles to Mitsubishi Motors and is also arranging to deliver electric buses to Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus. Using Oppama as a base could strengthen Foxconn's ties with Japanese automakers. The company's behind-the-scenes interest in Nissan reportedly contributed to earlier merger talks between Nissan and Honda in December. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Japanese government has expressed caution about Foxconn gaining influence over Nissan's management, but protecting jobs at the plant may help ease official concerns. Nissan is grappling with sluggish global sales and facing fresh headwinds from US President Donald Trump's automobile tariffs, which are expected to cut the company's operating profit this fiscal year by as much as 450 billion yen, or about 3.12 billion dollars.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Nissan Expands Magnite CNG Availability In India With Phase 2 Launch
Nissan Motor India has announced the Phase 2 rollout of its CNG retrofitment kit for its popular compact SUV, the New Nissan Magnite. The eco-friendly CNG option will now be available for purchase at Nissan-authorised dealerships in Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. In the first phase, the CNG retrofitment option was launched in 7 states, namely Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Karnataka. With the Phase 2 launch, the CNG retrofit variant is now available across a total of 13 states in India, with Phase III preparations underway. This expansion responds to strong customer demand for affordable and sustainable mobility solutions. The retrofit kit is developed, manufactured, and quality-assured by Motozen, a government-approved third-party vendor. Installation will take place at government-authorised fitment centres using a homologated kit compliant with local regulations and safety standards. Motozen provides a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty on kit components. Nissan Magnite Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, commented: "The New Nissan Magnite continues to be a key growth driver for us in India, and we're committed to expanding its relevance in line with evolving customer needs. The Phase 2 rollout of our CNG retrofitment option reflects both the growing demand for cleaner mobility and our intent to offer credible, high-quality alternatives without compromising on the core strengths of the Magnite. With government-certified kits, authorised fitment, and extensive dealer network, this initiative enhances the Magnite's value proposition while reinforcing our focus on accessible, sustainable solutions." Offered at Rs 74,999, the retrofitment kit is compatible with the New Nissan Magnite 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with manual transmission. With its 336-litre boot space, among the largest in the segment, the Magnite continues to offer excellent luggage capacity. The brand claims that post the Phase 1 rollout, customer feedback and third-party tests have indicated enhanced fuel economy over the standard petrol variant. The prices of the Nissan Magnite start from Rs 6.14 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
India Today
4 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
People from these six states can also now get the Nissan Magnite CNG
Nissan Motor India has announced the second phase of its CNG retrofitment rollout for the New Nissan Magnite, expanding the offering to six new states, which includes Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. This expansion comes on the back of strong customer interest and growing demand for cost-effective and environmentally friendly mobility this rollout, the CNG retrofitment option is now available in 13 states across the country. The initial phase had launched in seven states—Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Karnataka with Phase 3 preparations already in CNG kit, priced at Rs 74,999, is developed and supplied by Motozen, a government-approved third-party vendor. The retrofitment process is carried out at authorised centres using a homologated kit that adheres to all local regulations and safety norms. Customers also benefit from a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty on the kit components, ensuring peace of mind alongside fuel savings. Compatible with the New Nissan Magnite's 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with manual transmission. Following the Phase 1 rollout, customer feedback and third-party evaluations have indicated improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard petrol on the development, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, said, "The New Nissan Magnite continues to be a key growth driver for us in India, and we're committed to expanding its relevance in line with evolving customer needs. The Phase 2 rollout of our CNG retrofitment option reflects both the growing demand for cleaner mobility and our intent to offer credible, high-quality alternatives without compromising on the core strengths of the Magnite. With government-certified kits, authorised fitment, and extensive dealer network, this initiative enhances the Magnite's value proposition while reinforcing our focus on accessible, sustainable solutions."advertisementThe New Nissan Magnite continues to stand out in the compact SUV segment with its bold styling, over 20 first- and best-in-segment features, and more than 55 safety features. Its growing popularity is reflected in its global footprint—available in over 65 countries across both Right-Hand and Left-Hand Drive to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Nissan Magnite CNG now available in six new states via dealer retrofitted kits
The Nissan Magnite CNG is available across six variants and commands a ₹75,000 premium over the petrol version Check Offers Nissan Motor India has announced the Phase 2 rollout of the CNG retrofitment kit on the Magnite SUV. The Nissan Magnite CNG will now be available in six new states including Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. The CNG kit is retrofitted on the Magnite and will be available for purchase at Nissan's authorised dealerships in these states. Nissan Magnite CNG: Availability The Nissan Magnite CNG was launched in May this year and sales began in seven states first - namely Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Karnataka. The second phase expands the availability to a total of 13 states pan India, while the automaker is working on the third phase of expansion to make the alternative fuel option more accessible on its only car sold in India. Also Read : Nissan Magnite CNG launched at ₹ 6.89 lakh, but there's a catch. Check details The Nissan Magnite CNG uses a CNG retro-fitment kit sourced from Motozen. These kits are homologated and compliant with local regulations and safety standards Speaking about the expansion, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, 'The New Nissan Magnite continues to be a key growth driver for us in India, and we're committed to expanding its relevance in line with evolving customer needs. The Phase 2 rollout of our CNG retrofitment option reflects both the growing demand for cleaner mobility and our intent to offer credible, high-quality alternatives without compromising on the core strengths of the Magnite. With government-certified kits, authorised fitment, and extensive dealer network, this initiative enhances the Magnite's value proposition while reinforcing our focus on accessible, sustainable solutions." Nissan Magnite CNG: Price & Specifications The CNG version is available with only the 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine across six variants. The Magnite CNG is priced from ₹ 6.89 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards for the retrofitment kit, commanding a premium of ₹ 75,000 over the pure-petrol version. These CNG kits are retrofitted at the dealer level, and sourced from Motozen, government-approved third-party vendor. Nissan says the installation will take place at government-authorised fitment centres using a homologated kit compliant with local regulations and safety standards. The automaker is offering a company warranty of 3 years/1 lakh km on the CNG kit components. It also gets a usable boot with a cargo capacity of 336 litres. Furthermore, Nissan says the customer feedback and third-party tests have indicated enhanced fuel economy with the Magnite CNG over the pure-petrol version. However, the automaker has not shared fuel efficiency numbers. Nissan Magnite CNG: Rivals The Nissan Magnite CNG competes against a host of offerings including the Renault Kiger CNG, Hyundai Exter CNG, Tata Punch CNG, as well as the Toyota Taisor and Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG options. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 03 Jul 2025, 15:31 PM IST
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Saurabh Vatsa to lead Nissan India's commercial operations
Nissan Motor India has announced a leadership transition as it prepares for its next phase of operations in the country. Saurabh Vatsa , currently Managing Director, will take charge of commercial operations in India starting 1 August, as reported by Business Standard . Vatsa will report to Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer for the AMIEO region (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania). The move follows as Frank Torres , who currently oversees Nissan's India business as Divisional Vice-President, prepares to step down. The leadership change comes as Nissan seeks to rebuild its presence in the Indian automotive market, where its activities have been limited in recent years. Amid speculation about its possible exit from India, Nissan recently reaffirmed its commitment to the country. The company also plans to launch new models between 2026 and 2027 as part of its renewed strategy. At present, Nissan's domestic product range includes the locally produced Magnite SUV and the imported X-Trail SUV. Despite the limited lineup, the company recorded exports of 91,184 units in calendar year 2024, reflecting strong overseas demand for its vehicles. The transition is seen as part of Nissan's efforts to reposition itself in the Indian market.
