Nissan to Invest €700 Million in India, Launch Six New Models by 2026
Nissan has unveiled an aggressive plan to strengthen its presence in India with a €700 million investment aimed at launching six new models and doubling its total sales to 200,000 units by 2026. The initiative marks one of Nissan’s most ambitious pushes in the Indian market and includes a broad portfolio of vehicles designed to compete across multiple high-growth segments.
The lineup includes two C-segment SUVs, a B-segment SUV, a new electric vehicle (EV), and additional variants of the existing Magnite model, alongside the upcoming launch of the premium X-Trail SUV. This diverse mix reflects Nissan’s strategy to cater to both the mass and premium ends of the market, with a sharp focus on India’s SUV-heavy demand curve.
Manufacturing Under Renault
As part of a broader restructuring, Nissan has sold its 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) to its long-time partner Renault, handing over complete control of the Chennai manufacturing plant. Despite stepping away from ownership, Nissan will continue to have its vehicles produced at the same facility under a contract manufacturing model.
The company maintains that this shift will not disrupt its India strategy. Officials say the restructuring allows Nissan to shift from fixed to variable costs, reducing financial overhead while maintaining production flexibility. The move is aligned with Nissan’s global turnaround strategy and reflects a pragmatic approach to optimizing operational efficiency.
Sales Goals and Market Focus
Last fiscal year, Nissan sold 99,000 vehicles—71,000 for export and 28,000 in the domestic market, largely driven by the Magnite. With the new models and a growing dealership network, Nissan aims to triple domestic sales to 100,000 units and double overall volumes to 200,000 units by 2026. Executives believe that entering high-potential SUV and EV segments with globally benchmarked products will give the brand a competitive edge.
Nissan has also signaled its long-term interest in India through continued investment in product development, local supplier engagement, and network expansion. While Renault will manage manufacturing, Nissan’s product design, distribution, and branding strategies will remain independent.
By combining bold investment with a leaner production model, Nissan is betting big on India’s rising automobile demand and looking to reposition itself as a key player in one of the world’s most dynamic car markets.
