It was only last week that the affordable automaker was reportedly closing shop for the second time in their history. Latest rumours allude that the brand might reinvent itself producing a Datsun EV providing sustainable mobility at a cost-effective price.
As we reported in the above article of its final factory ceasing assembly in India, parent company; Nissan has redirected efforts into its electrification strategy which will take the brand into the future. It seems as though a decision is yet to be made on the Datsun name and how that may play a part in this future roadmap.
A statement by Nissan notes that: “As part of Nissan’s global transformation strategy, Nissan is focusing on core models and segments that bring the most benefit to customers, dealer partners, and the business.” However, there is the possibility that the affordable branch will continue after another statement hints at a potential future: “For many thousands of owners worldwide, Datsun continues to provide an engaging driving experience, peace of mind ownership at the right price, and great value.”
In addition to this, Automotive News has quoted an unnamed source close to Nissan who have stated that Datsun is only dead in its name and Nissan is debating on a direction to take the famed legacy. This is all speculation and rumour but as electrification becomes more accessible, more road users will seek cost effective mobility solutions that satisfy national mandates for emissions. Despite the criticism, Datsun has managed to provide cost effective products to their customers over the course of their 10 year rebirth.
It is worth noting that the Datsun brand still lives in the emerging markets it was present in before, just with future production of models ceasing. South Africa was one of these markets, so the next Datsun model might come with affordable EV power.
