Datsun is Back in South Africa!
Datsun, the brand that most of you or parents grew up with, is back in South Africa, with the assistance of global parent company Nissan who is responsible for reviving the once legendary local marque.
Datsun South Africa has announced that the first model to launched by the brand will be the Datsun GO, a low-cost, no-frills and budget beating entry level hatchback. Aimed squarely at first time buyers, the Datsun GO is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of today’s customers and, offering accessible motoring to those who might not otherwise have access to motorcar ownership and is destined to carve a distinctive niche as a lifestyle vehicle for those newly licenced, aspirational individuals.
The return of the brand and the introduction of the Datsun GO reiterates the confidence in a brand that grew to iconic status in South Africa in the period between the 1960s and 1980s. Datsun brings with it a global heritage and reputation for durable, attractive and trustworthy vehicles that resulted in more than 20 million sales around the globe when the brand was a household name.
“The return of Datsun to South Africa is integral to our expansion in high-growth markets where there are increasing numbers of upwardly-mobile people. With the introduction of Datsun here we are finalizing the return and launch phase of this legendary brand. 2014 will be the year we realize this goal, when the brand becomes a reality for many customers across India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa,” said Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun.
As the name suggests, the Datsun GO is designed for young first-time buyers who want a stylish, accessible, roomy and economical vehicle, which fits comfortably with their rapidly changing lifestyle. Datsun GO is designed to be the answer to their needs. For this, the company has coined the catchphrase, ‘The Risers’.
“We believe our riser customers are doing more to be even more successful in their pursuits, enabling them to Break Through in life. In the South African context Dreams, Accessibility and Trust translate into working hard, having a thirst for growth, and living life as an adventure without losing sight of the community or your roots,” said Desmond Fenner, GM, Head of Datsun in South Africa.
“It’s about having aspirations of being a better person and we believe that Datsun products are the enablers that assist in making the “Break Through” in life,” continued Fenner.
The Datsun GO is planned to go on sale in the last quarter of 2014 below R100k making it a real value proposition for first-time new car buyers. Sales and service will be initially established through a network of 30 Datsun dealerships throughout South Africa, including CMH Datsun Durban, Ballito, Pietermaritzburg, Midrand, Sandton and Pinetown.