We Called It: Next Datsun Is An MPV
Datsun’s newest vehicle, unveiled in Jakarta today, is a stretched version of the Go, dubbed the Go+. While this will elict a shrug of the shoulders for most of you, it’s an astute move by Datsun.
Indonesia’s auto market is dominated by small minivans. Toyota has an iron grip on the market with the Avanza, a rear-drive, rather basic vehicle. GM is trying to unseat Toyota with the Spin, a front-drive minivan with more modern bones. The Go+, which can seat 7 (perhaps in some degree of discomfort), is Nissan’s attempt to capture a slice of what many think is the next big car market.
With this knowledge in mind, TTAC predicted that the next Datsun would likely be an MPV, and it turned out we were correct. That and 37, 504 Indonesian rupiah will get you a Big Mac combo in Jakarta.
More by Derek Kreindler
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When we going to lose these F1 front brake styling cues? So juvenile!
When you have only 36 vehicles per 1 000 population and a country wanting to advance you will sell these kinds of vehicles. They have to be cheap, provide good utility first, then looks come second. But a better looking vehicle would probably be a better selling point. The Indonesian vehicle market has massive potential. Indonesia is a country with over 220 million people. Like I mentioned only 36 vehicles per 1 000 people is tiny when compared to its neighbour, Australia with about 740 vehicles per thousand people. How much more can our market expand? When and if the Indonesian vehicle market gets on it's feet we will benefit the most. They will need minerals and more food as they gain a larger middle class. I hope the Indonesians get there.