Japanese automaker Nissan has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market, with plans to expand operations and increase workforce despite global challenges. According to Frank Torres, President of Nissan India Operations, the company remains focused on strengthening its presence in India, even as it undertakes significant restructuring measures globally.
Nissan has recently added 600 employees at its Chennai manufacturing plant to support the introduction of a third production shift. This move comes as part of its strategy to expand production capacity for two new models, which are slated for release soon. Torres confirmed that the global job cuts of 9,000 employees and a 20% reduction in production announced in November this year will not impact India as long as the company remains competitive in the market.
“Nissan is betting big on India, and the plans for the region remain intact despite this global turbulence,” said Torres. He emphasised that the company is actively growing its workforce, enhancing production capabilities, and strengthening ties with partners, suppliers, and dealers in India.
In July, Nissan India unveiled its ambitious plan to introduce five new models over the next 30 months. The company aims to triple both its domestic and export volumes to 100,000 units annually by the end of FY2026. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to revitalise its operations in the fast-growing Indian automotive market.
Globally, Nissan has implemented measures to reduce costs by 400 billion yen (USD 2.6 billion) as part of its turnaround plan. However, Torres reassured that these actions will not affect the Indian market, stating, “There is no risk or impact for India as far as the plans are concerned. We will keep being competitive in terms of products, costs, and our overall ecosystem.”
The company’s renewed focus on India underscores its confidence in the region’s growth potential, with its expanding workforce and production capacity reflecting Nissan’s commitment to meeting rising demand in both domestic and export markets.
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