Nissan to Produce Renault Logan-Based Model in Russia
Nissan will begin building a model based on the Renault Logan platform at its Russian plant in 2012, targeting the country’s budget car segment.
Nissan will start building a model based on the Renault Logan in Russia in 2012, deepening its partnership with Renault and expanding its presence in the country’s fast-growing budget car segment. The move comes as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance’s strategy to increase sales and market share in Russia, one of the most competitive markets for affordable vehicles.
The new Nissan model will share its underpinnings with the Renault Logan, a car that has proved popular in emerging markets for its low price and robust design. While Nissan already offers the Aprio, which uses the Logan platform in other markets, this is the first time Nissan will directly adapt the Logan for its own brand in Russia. The company has indicated that the car will receive minor modifications to distinguish it from its Renault counterpart, but has not released further details on design or specifications.
Aiming at Russia’s Budget Segment
The decision to produce a Logan-based Nissan reflects the alliance’s focus on Russia’s high-volume, price-sensitive market segment. By leveraging the existing Logan platform, Nissan can offer a competitively priced model without the costs of developing a new car from scratch. This approach aligns with Renault-Nissan’s broader goal to increase its share of the Russian market, where demand for affordable, reliable vehicles remains strong.
Bruno Ancelin, then head of Renault Russia, confirmed that the model will be built at the Russian plant, which is also set to manufacture engines and transmissions for Renault, Nissan and AvtoVAZ from 2013. The plant’s expanded capabilities are designed to support the alliance’s ambitions in Russia, where it holds a significant stake in AvtoVAZ, the country’s largest carmaker.
Alliance Targets Growth with Local Production
The Renault-Nissan-AvtoVAZ partnership aims to deliver 1.6 million vehicles annually in Russia by 2016, targeting a 40 percent share of the local market. Local production of the Logan-based Nissan is expected to play a role in reaching these targets by broadening the alliance’s product range and appealing to cost-conscious buyers.
- Nissan Logan-based model production starts in 2012
- Engines and transmissions for Renault, Nissan and AvtoVAZ from 2013
- Alliance seeks to double AvtoVAZ stake and expand market share
No pricing or specification details have been released for the Nissan-badged Logan. However, the alliance’s strategy suggests it will be positioned to compete directly with other budget offerings in Russia, including models from domestic manufacturers and global rivals. As the plant ramps up, Nissan’s entry into this segment will be closely watched by competitors and suppliers alike.
