The rejigged plan will shift the company’s strategy from its past focus on inflated expansion and make it even more practical based on the evolving scenario.

As part of the four-year plan, Nissan will take decisive action to transform its business by streamlining unprofitable operations and surplus facilities, alongside structural reforms. The company will also reduce fixed costs by rationalizing its production capacity, global product range and expenses. Through disciplined management, the company will prioritize and invest in business areas expected to deliver a solid recovery and sustainable growth.

By implementing the plan, Nissan aims to achieve a 5% operating profit margin and a sustainable global market share of 6% by the end of fiscal year 2023, including proportionate contributions from its 50% equity joint venture in China.

Makoto Uchida, Nissan chief executive officer, said, “Our transformation plan aims to ensure steady growth instead of excessive sales expansion. We will now concentrate on our core competencies and enhancing the quality of our business, while maintaining financial discipline and focusing on net revenue per unit to achieve profitability. This coincides with the restoration of a culture defined by “Nissan-ness” for a new era.”

The four-year plan is focused on two strategic areas, building on Nissan’s reputation for innovation, craftsmanship, customer-focus and quality, alongside an ongoing cultural transformation. The first area is rationalization. Under this the company will take robust actions to restructure, reduce costs and improve efficiency. To achieve this objective the company is look at right-sizing Nissan’s production capacity by 20 percent to 5.4 million units a year under the assumption of a standard shift operation; achieving plant utilization rate above 80 percent, making operations more profitable; rationalize global product line-up by 20 percent (from 69 to fewer than 55 models); reduce fixed costs by approximately 300 billion yen. The company also intends to close Barcelona plant in Western Europe, consolidate North American production around core models and closure of manufacturing facility in Indonesia and concentrating on Thailand plant as single production base in ASEAN. In this the alliance partners to share resources, including production, models, and technologies.

The second strategic area is in prioritizing core markets and core products. To accomplish this goal the company will focus on Nissan’s core operations in the markets of Japan, China and North America; leveraging the Alliance assets to maintain Nissan’s business at appropriate operational level in South America, ASEAN and Europe; exiting South Korea, the Datsun business in Russia and streamlining operations in some markets in ASEAN. Focus on global core model segments including enhanced C and D segment vehicles, electric vehicles, sport cars. Introduce 12 models in the next 18 months. Expand presence in EVs and electric-motor-driven cars, including e-POWER, with more than one million electrified sales units expected a year by end of FY23. In Japan, it plans to launch two more electric vehicles and four more e-POWER vehicles, thereby increasing electrification ratio to 60 percent of sales. Introduce ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system in more than 20 models in 20 markets, targeting more than 1.5 million units to be equipped with this system per year by the end of FY23.

“Nissan must deliver value for customers around the world. To do this, we must make breakthroughs in the products, technologies and markets where we are competitive. This is Nissan’s DNA. In this new era, Nissan remains people-focused, to deliver technologies for all people and to continue addressing challenges as only Nissan can, Uchida said. (MT)

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Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has launched the EQS 580 4MATIC 'Celebration Edition’, an upgraded version of its flagship EQS 580 4MATIC sedan.

This special edition commemorates the brand’s growing success in the battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment, driven by high-end models and celebrates the EQS range’s position as a benchmark in luxury BEVs. The EQS boasts cutting-edge technology, including the ‘MBUX Hyperscreen’, opulent interiors and an industry-leading range for electric vehicles in India. The ‘Celebration Edition’ enhances rear-seat luxury, offering best-in-class comfort, space and an elevated experience for discerning customers.

Simultaneously, Mercedes-Benz inaugurated the ‘Atelier Experience’ at Sundaram Motors in Adyar, Chennai, expanding its premium retail network across key metros like New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. This facility underscores the brand’s commitment to bespoke luxury, featuring personalised consultations and modern retail concepts. Strategically located in an upscale neighbourhood with strong luxury customer presence, the 3,800 sq. ft. showroom spans a 7,500 sq. ft. plot, offering flexible displays for sub-brands like Maybach, AMG and G-Class. The design allows effortless brand element transitions, maximizing premium showcase impact.

Aligned with its ‘go to customer’ strategy, Mercedes-Benz is expanding into emerging mini-metros, planning 30 new or upgraded luxury touchpoints in 2025, with 19 set to launch in the next five months. This initiative reinforces the brand’s focus on accessibility and elite retail experiences.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to launch the EQS 580 'Celebration Edition' alongside our strategic network expansion in Chennai. This dual announcement exemplifies Mercedes-Benz's deep commitment to uphold both product excellence and customer experience. The EQS 'Celebration Edition' signifies growing customer interest in our top-end BEVs, as we continue to outpace the market growth, regularly upgrading our luxury BEV portfolio. Our BEV growth is strongly driven by demand for top-end BEVs comprising EQS sedan and SUV, EQS Maybach SUV and the G 580 with EQ Technology. Similarly, qualitative network expansion demonstrates our customer commitment beyond luxury products, introducing boutique luxury experiences in established metropolises like Chennai.

“After the highly exclusive Maybach Lounge in Hyderabad, the G-Lounge in New Delhi, we are now introducing the bespoke ‘Atelier Experience’ in Mumbai and in Chennai, where discerning customers can configure their cars with MANUFAKTUR range of customization options. Hyper-personalisation is an emerging trend at the top-end luxury segment, and with exclusive Maybach Kit and G-Class Kit comprising physical material samples combined with state-of-art online configurator, customers can have a physi-digital experience, while configuring their personalised top-end Mercedes-Benz car.”

Sharath Vijayaraghavan, Executive Director, Sundaram Motors, said, “We are extremely proud of our association with Mercedes-Benz known for its innovation, Leadership & Strong Legacy. With both brands having vintage over 100 years, the shared values of both the companies have paved the way for such formidable partnership of 25 years with several more years to come. Our eleven facilities are designed for customer convenience, and our eleven Sundaram Signature Service offerings provide flexible support to meet any additional customer requirements.”

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Vietnamese automotive brand VinFast has announced its collaboration with Global Assure to strengthen its customer service network across India. The automaker aims to strengthen its aftersales service network before formally introducing its products in the Indian market.

As part of the understanding, Global Assure will oversee the seamless delivery of essential customer care services, including a dedicated 24x7 call centre, nationwide Roadside Assistance (RSA), Mobile charging solutions and on-demand Mobile service operations. These services will be accessible to VinFast customers across the country, ensuring quick, reliable, and convenient support, anytime and anywhere.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO – Asia, VinFast, said, “As VinFast is gearing up to launch its premium electric SUVs – the VF 7 and VF 6 in India market, this partnership underlines the brand’s commitment to ensure prompt, dependable and customer-focused support across the country. Global Assure’s strong capabilities and nationwide reach are well aligned with our commitment to quality, convenience and care. Together, we aim to establish a holistic and reliable electric mobility ecosystem in India that extends beyond our vehicles to offer true peace of mind for our customers.”

Manish Vij, Co-founder & CEO, Global Assure, said, “We are excited to be the trusted partner of VinFast’s customer support in India. With Global Assure’s extensive expertise in deep understanding of Indian customer needs and pan-India presence, VinFast customers can expect efficient response times and high-quality service making every journey smoother, safer, and more reassuring for VinFast owners.”

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle maker, has launched the 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG starting at INR 1.34 million. The 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG is powered by the next-gen K-series 1.5-litre, Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine, offering a fuel-efficiency of 26.6 km per kg. The Grand Vitara is now available with a wide range of environment-friendly powertrain technologies including S-CNG, Strong Hybrid and Allgrip Select 4x4.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG offers a range of new convenience & safety alongside the introduction of 6 airbags as standard. Powered by our next-gen K-series 1.5-litre Dual Jet Dual VVT engine, it delivers remarkable fuel-efficiency, without compromising on its exhilarating SUV drive experience. We are confident that the new Grand Vitara S-CNG will continue to win the hearts of customers with its robust safety and commendable efficiency.”

The company has equipped the new Grand Vitara S-CNG with comprehensive safety for all occupants with 6 airbags offered as standard. This is further complemented by a range of safety features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Front and Rear Disc Brakes, ISOFIX Child seat restraint system and more.

In terms of features, the Grand Vitara S-CNG comes with Auto Purify with PM 2.5 Display, 22.86cm (9-inch) SmartPlay Pro+ Entertainment System with Wireless Connectivity and Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Premium Sound System by Clarion~, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Rear View Camera, Wireless Charging Dock, Ventilated Front Seats, Automatic Climate Control, Rear AC Vents, Reclining Rear Seats with 60:40 split, Keyless Entry With Engine Push Start/Stop Button, Auto-Folding ORVMs, Suzuki Connect and more.

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Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen India has unveiled the C3 Limited Sport Edition, a new variant of its popular hatchback with a range of exclusive features.

The C3 Sport Edition distinguishes itself with bold 'Sport' decals, ambient cabin lighting and sporty pedals. The interior features custom sport-themed seat covers, matching carpet mats and seatbelt cushions to complement its athletic identity. Additionally, a new Garnet Red body colour has been introduced for the first time in the C3 lineup. Buyers also have the option to add a wireless charger and a dash cam.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "The Citroen C3 has always stood out with its unique styling and plush ride quality fused with performance, making it a compelling choice in the hatchback segment. The C3 Sport Edition brings more energy, tech and thrill to a car already known for its bold design and ride quality. With the addition of Garnet Red and sporty enhancements, caters to a distinct generation of buyers who value individuality, class-leading performance, unmatched comfort and everyday practicality – reinforcing to Citroën’s promise of accessible innovation and design-led appeal."

Beyond its visual enhancements, the C3 Limited Sport Edition retains the C3's performance capabilities. It is powered by a 1.2L Turbo PureTech engine that delivers 110 PS and 205 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 10 seconds. The vehicle also offers a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The Citroen C3 Limited Sport Edition is now available at all Citroen dealerships across India. It carries a premium of INR 21,000 over the standard editions, with the optional Tech Kit (Dashcam and Wireless Charger) available for an additional INR 15,000.

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