Nissan revs up brand revival with bets on new models, sales infra boost

Nissan has set its sights on a decisive turnaround in India, with 2026 earmarked as a pivotal year for the brand’s revival. The automaker, which currently retails only the Nissan Magnite in the country, on Tuesday expanded its portfolio with the launch of the seven-seater MPV Nissan Gravite.

Addressing reporters in Udaipur, Nissan Motor India Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa underscored the company’s renewed focus on the domestic market. “When we say Nissan is committed to India, what's really important is the year 2026. This is going to be a year for the brand resurgence for Nissan in India,” he said, reported PTI.

Also Read: Nissan Gravite budget MPV launched in India at Rs 5.65 lakh. Check features, specs and offers


The Gravite will be followed by two more models -- a Tekton SUV and a larger seven-seater C-segment SUV -- slated for introduction later this year. “So in close succession, we are bringing in three new vehicles in almost 12 months from now. Therefore, the year of resurgence, which is going to be based on a product lineup which is broadly SUVs,” Vatsa said.

Even as the company widens its SUV portfolio, Vatsa noted that the Magnite will continue to hold a central place in Nissan’s India strategy.

Exports are expected to play an increasingly important role in the company’s plans. “As we go ahead, export remains one of our fundamental foundational pillars...In FY 2026-27 we are going to cross the 1 lakh unit export mark from India,” Vatsa added.

He said the refreshed strategy for 2026 will be backed by an expanded price band ranging from around Rs 6 lakh to nearly Rs 20 lakh. “We are going to go from one segment of vehicles to four segments of vehicles and the potential of these four segments is almost 2.5 units, so that's a strong, robust number and a segment coverage,” he added.

Alongside new product introductions, the company is stepping up its retail presence. Dealer network expansion is underway across Tier I and Tier II cities, with plans to increase the number of sales outlets to 250 by the end of the current fiscal year. Nissan presently operates about 160 dealerships nationwide.

Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India, Nissan and Infiniti, reaffirmed the automaker’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. “This is one of the core markets for us, with the United States, Japan, China and the Middle East. And we are not committed for the short term. We are actually committed for the long term,” he said.

Also Read: Nissan Gravite launch: Check expected price, engine, features, seating and more

Highlighting the company’s SUV-focused approach, Sabbagh noted that the strategy aligns with prevailing consumer demand and future growth opportunities in India. “India is central to Nissan's global ambitions. Our actions over the past year strengthening operations, expanding the network and embarking on a product offensive demonstrate our long-term commitment to this market,” he stated.

Calling the Gravite more than just a new model, Sabbagh added, “The Gravite is not just a product launch; it marks the beginning of a sustained growth phase for Nissan in India.”

“With local manufacturing at our alliance partner facility in Chennai and a future-ready product roadmap, we are here to compete, grow and lead in the segments that matter,” he stated.

The Gravite is powered by a 1-litre petrol engine and is priced between Rs 5.65 lakh and Rs 8.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

With inputs from PTI