Nissan Tiida / Versa to go on sale in Europe

Afraid of loosing sales in the strong compact-hatch and sedan categories in several traditional European countries, Nissan decided to launch the Tiida in 5door hatch and sedan versions (known in the US as the Versa) initially in these markets: Baltics, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Sales of the Mexican built Tiida will commence in Europe in June where they’ll be offered with three engines; a 1.6 litre petrol (110hp), a 1.8 litre petrol (126hp) and a 1.5dCi (105hp). -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

PRESS RELEASE: NISSAN TO INTRODUCE TIIDA IN EUROPE

- Tiida will be launched in selected key markets across Europe
- On sale from June 2007
- Four and five door models, three engines (two petrol, one diesel)

Nissan Europe announced today that it will introduce the Tiida model to Europe from June 2007. The Tiida marks the latest addition to Nissan’s current model line-up following the recent launch of its latest C-segment, cross-over vehicle, the QASHQAI.

As part of the Tiida launch strategy, Nissan carefully studied the individual European markets to identify the countries where there was a concentration of loyal customers of Almera and Primera who would consider purchasing a similar model in the future.

Tiida will therefore be distributed in the markets where there is strong demand for such models. These markets include: Baltics, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine. As part of the launch strategy, Nissan may, at a later stage, study the possibility of introducing the model to further markets in Europe.

The name Tiida is derived from a word in a Japanese dialect meaning ‘ever-changing tide’ and sits between NOTE and QASHQAI in terms of price. It will appeal to the customer looking for a more conventional type of car and places an emphasis on traditional values such as comfort, interior space and ease of use.

The Tiida will be launched in four and five door versions and will feature three engines; a 1.6 litre petrol (110hp), a 1.8 litre petrol (126hp) and a 1.5dCi (105hp).

This model is already enjoying sales success in Japan and the United States, where it is called Versa. Sales in Europe are expected to reach an average of 30,000 units per year over its lifecycle. Tiida will be built at Nissan’s Civac plant in Mexico.

“As part of our strategy for profitable growth in Europe, Nissan is focused upon winning conquest customers with new models which offer a real point of difference. However, it is also important that we retain our more traditional customer base in certain countries,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe.

“Our business approach is driven by customers and common sense. We decided to introduce Tiida in the markets where we identified clear needs and a sustainable demand for this type of product, which could not be satisfied by Note or QASHQAI,” Carolin added. More information will be announced in April.