The Bangkok Post reports that Nissan is mulling plans to build a new small car in Thailand, which will most likely be based on the Micra compact hatchback.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The report says that a timeframe is unknown, but that industry sources say Nissan wants to strengthen its presence in the passenger car market by offering models in every segment in which its which its two chief rivals – Toyota and Honda – compete.
The Bangkok Post says that Siam Nissan Automobiles, owned 75% by Siam Motors and 25% by Nissan Motors (Japan), is said to have enough capacity to a build a new car alongside the Sunny and Cefiro sedans.
The report adds that the only new investment required would be for the tooling and jigs, although a significant amount of money may have to be spent on upgrading the paint shop that has been in operation for many years.
The latest generation Micra was released in March. It uses the same B platform that underpins the Renault Clio and utilises engines ranging from 1.0-1.5 litres depending on each market’s preferences.
Industry sources say that Renault has no plans to enter the highly competitive Thai market, according to the report.
