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Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Business Reporter
NISSAN Group Africa has set sights on selling more than 1 000 brand new vehicles in Zimbabwe this year buoyed by improved business last year.

In an interview with journalists after the launch of the latest edition of the Nissan X-Trail yesterday, Nissan Group of Africa regional business manager-Sub-Saharan Africa Mr Douglas Mahwehwe said the company was satisfied with the amount of business in the country and was optimistic of future prospects.

“In 2017 we sold 1 131 units, that is, our pickups and SUVs including the Datsun. Our target in 2018 is about 1 300 units,” said Mr Mahwehwe.

In 2016 the company managed to sell a total of 890 car units.

Addressing guests at the launch Mr Mahwehwe said the company had managed to grab a significant niche market in the country’s motor industry.
“Our Africa strategy has identified Zimbabwe as a country with much potential for growth despite the harsh global economic environment. Nissan has a 33,5 percent market share in Zimbabwe.

“This is due to our strong partnership with AMC Motors, Amtec Motors, Croco Nisssan and Nissan Clover Leaf Motors. Together we are building the Nissan brand in Zimbabwe by growing our network of dealers and delivering a variety of vehicles that are tailor-made for this market,” he said.

In an effort to further increase its market share, the company has come up with a number of flexible packages tailor made to suit low income earners.

“We brought in new products as you have seen probably in the last year. We brought in the new Navara, Ex-Trail and brought also a new Datsun. The second one is working with the banks to develop finance packages, we are working with all banks at the moment, some of them are already operating the lease finance packages,” said Mr Mahwehwe.

The new Nissan X Trail on show at the ZITF

Nissan has a presence of more than 50 years in Zimbabwe-dating back to Datsun Rhodesia until the introduction of Nissan.

“With the introduction of Nissan there was an increase in sales in a market where trust had been strengthened in the days of Datsun. Our footprint has continued to grow with additional service centres being opened across the country run by our direct to dealer network,” said Mr Mahwehwe.

He said the company was keen to set-up a plant in the country but this depended on the performance of the economy.

“We are only looking at retailing, I am sure as the economic environment in Zimbabwe further improves we might look at assembling,” said Mr Mahwehwe.

He said the company was also looking forward to introducing a low cost luxury car on the Zimbabwean market.

“Datsun is part of Nissan, which is an entry point car, a very affordable car. We are looking at bringing in the new Nissan Micra, which will also be an entry point car,” said Mr Mahwehwe.

The new X-Trail has the luxury and performance of an accomplished SUV and is a high-tech multipurpose vehicle. Apart from a powerful engine and space for seven passengers, X-Trail buyers would also enjoy interior upgrades, Nissan intelligent mobility features and a number of exterior enhancements.

@DNsingo