Nissan Plans Low-Cost Cars For America

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Yesterday we confronted established automakers’ fears of the disposable automobile imported from China or India, but as Automotive News [sub] reports, the majors aren’t just sitting still on the issue. Nissan, which already sells a decontented Versa for $10k is planning two more vehicles at that price point for the US market, based on its new low-cost “V” platform. “The V platform will be sourced in Mexico” reveals Nissan’s North American chairman. Three vehicles will actually be produced in Mexico on the platform, but only two of them will be sold stateside.

I think $10,000 is a good point. As you know, there are very few new cars sold at that price point in the United States… It is too early to tell you the (standard) equipment in those cars. The only thing that we can tell you is that we will hold that price point.

Nissan’s Carlos Tavares says Nissan’s Mexican plant will produce 200k of the million V-platform units it hopes to build globally. One of the vehicles produced will likely be a replacement for the global Nissan Micra. The other is likely to be some kind of subcompact MPV.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Lynn Ellsworth Lynn Ellsworth on Jan 14, 2010
    In China, I read in the news that 95% of new car purchases are in CASH. Americans will do thi. That would be wonderful. If Americans had been paying cash we probably wouldn't have had the depression we are in now.
    • Hraefn Hraefn on Jan 14, 2010

      Maybe. I think many would prefer to live in a society/economy that takes measured risks and reaps the rewards. This means borrowing (and lending) money. Income per capita in the US $33,000... China, $865 Loans are not just about having things before you can pay for them, they are also about a lender investing in a lendee.

  • Roundel Roundel on Jan 14, 2010

    That would be ignoring the simple economics of the situation.... China's savings rate probably far outweighs that of the US. We are a spending... a consuming nation. We can't just flip the coin and start saving all at once... that would bring far more economic hardship. To put it simply that we would be better off without credit is to ignore the nuances of economics. Everything is fine in moderation... even car loans.

  • Mjz Mjz on Jan 14, 2010

    If Nissan can sell a non-stripper Micra (air, power windows/locks, etc) for $10,000, they'll have a huge hit on their hands. I think there is a pent-up market for a fun, non-stripper new car that doesn't scream "cheapskate" like the Versa 1.6 does. A lot of people don't want the potential problems of a used car, but also don't want a new car in which they have to fan themselves while driving or hum because the damn thing doesn't have air or even a radio.

  • VanillaDude VanillaDude on Jan 14, 2010

    I can see a market for a stripped car, but not a stripped little car. Double it, and give us a de-contented Ford Flex without the third seat and a vinyl bench seat in the second row. A big box that looks purposeful, durable and capable of serving families during the Obama Mega-Recession years. I don't want an obsolete design, like a Chevy Impala, or even a Traverse. A completely new car with a new attitude designed for tough economic times. Imagine a completely updated and new 1965 Ford Fairlane. Now price it at $20,000.

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