This is supported with a marked increase in production out of its Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria, as well as a number of new model introductions during the year.
These are some of the actions Nissan SA is embarking on subsequent to the announcement it will be taking bold steps to protect the company from the turmoil.
Mike Whitfield, managing director of Nissan SA, said at a recent media conference: “The company has embarked on a global recovery plan – spearheaded by NML president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn who has extensive experience in turnaround strategies – to deal with the challenges of a global economic recession.”
Strong Position In Commercial Market
A key driver in giving Nissan this position in the local market is its already strong position in the commercial vehicle market with an extensive fleet customer base.
With the recent specification enhancements to its NP300 Hardbody range together with the addition of new hi-tech diesel engines and the recent range expansion of the 1400 Bakkie replacement – the Nissan NP200 - Nissan takes a step closer to full commercial market coverage.
Nissan’s ultimate objective of leadership through full market coverage will be realised in July 2009 when the Navara range will also expand its footprint.
Excellent Running And Repair Costs
With the full range of NP300 Hardbody, a full range of NP200 and the imminent expansion of the Navara line-up, Nissan will further strengthen its position in the commercial vehicle market by offering exceptionally competitive value propositions in the 1-ton and half-ton segment of the market.
It will grow its already extensive fleet base, remain at the forefront in offering products with excellent running and repair costs, as well as attract new customers to the Nissan commercial vehicle brand with a full range that caters for a diverse range of customer needs.
These three product lines together with the Patrol Pick-up, completes the most comprehensive light commercial vehicle line-up in the country.
Providing the best value proposition is the golden thread in Nissan’s line-up with a range comprised of various specification grades to cater to specific customer requirements. The NP300 has the legendary, trusted Hardbody brand name at its side with proven technologies and capabilities.
Class-Leading Payload Capacity
The NP300 Hardbody range boasts class-leading payload capacity and ground clearance, the only 1-ton on the market with a reinforced load bed, the most powerful diesel engine in the segment and the only 1-ton range with a short-wheelbase on offer.
This, together with a 3-year/100 000 km service plan, 15 000 km service intervals and the standard Nissan 3-year/100 000 km warranty, as well as class leading running costs and additional safety features to be added later in 2009 makes for a ompetitive overall value proposition.
The Nissan NP300 delivering on the core values of durability, performance, reliability, reputation and overall economy.
The entire NP300 Hardbody range is positioned to make it an intelligent choice for any fleet and supports Nissan’s strategy going forward says Chris Schell, Nissan’s head of fleet sales told me recently: “In addition to extensive base of larger fleets, small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s), are a core focus for us and as such we wanted to ensure that our line-up caters to the very demanding requirements of the 1-ton segment.”
