3 New Nissan Models Confirmed for India - 2026 Launch
Nissan Motor India has confirmed a three-model rollout starting early 2026, marking its biggest product push in years. Managing Director Saurabh Vatsa said the plan begins with a B-segment MPV in February 2026, followed by a C-segment five-seater SUV in June 2026, and ends with a C-segment seven-seater SUV in January 2027. The sequence is designed to add one new product every six months.
Three models, three segments
The B-segment MPV will be Nissan’s first entry into a category that has grown sharply with models like the Maruti Ertiga and Kia Carens. It targets families wanting three-row seating in a compact footprint at affordable prices.
The C-segment five-seater SUV due in June 2026 is the most critical of the three. This is the segment led by the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Tata Harrier, and competition is intense. The SUV's design highlights will be revealed on the 7th of October, at an exclusive event with Alfonso Albasia - a vice president for design at Nissan North America.
Vatsa confirmed this SUV is a ground-up project and not an adaptation of an existing product. The third launch, scheduled for January 2027, is a larger seven-seater SUV. Vatsa clarified it will not be just an extended version of the five-seater but a separate model with its own design and positioning.
Big money, big targets
Nissan is backing this plan with an investment of 700 million euros, about Rs 7,302 crore. The figure covers platform development, manufacturing, and market rollout. The company has set ambitious goals, aiming for 100,000 domestic sales by FY27.
That would be more than triple its FY25 volumes of 27,881 units. Nissan also wants to export 100,000 units in the same period. Combined, this would give its Chennai facility a major role in global operations.
Building reach on the ground
To support higher volumes, Nissan is expanding its retail and service footprint. It currently has 160 showrooms and 127 workshops. The plan is to reach 180 outlets this fiscal year, then scale up to between 250 and 300 locations the following year. Growth will focus on major metros as well as Tier 2, 3, and 4 towns.
On manufacturing, Nissan no longer directly manages Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd, which is now fully under Renault. But the Chennai plant continues to produce cars for both brands. The facility has an installed capacity of about 480,000 units per year, giving ample headroom for growth. Vatsa expects utilisation to hit 90 to 95 percent by FY27, reflecting strong demand forecasts.
Exporting from India to the world
Exports remain an important part of Nissan’s India operations. In FY25, the company shipped 71,334 units, regaining a 9.26 percent share in passenger vehicle exports.
Current export models include the Magnite SUV and Sunny sedan, and the new C-segment SUVs are expected to boost volumes further. Nissan India already serves over 65 global markets from its local base, giving flexibility to balance between domestic demand and exports. This reach also helps spread risk and improve economies of scale.
Looking beyond the basics
Nissan is also studying premium product options through the completely built unit route. The Patrol SUV, set for a global right-hand drive launch in 2027, is under review for India. The company says it will only commit once sustainable demand is clear.
Electric vehicles are not yet part of the immediate rollout. However, Vatsa said alternative propulsion could be considered once Nissan achieves its volume targets. The brand has global experience with EVs like the Leaf and Ariya, but Indian market timing remains uncertain.
Tax changes under GST 2.0 have improved the outlook for Nissan’s smaller products. The rate cut on sub-four-metre vehicles from 28 percent to 18 percent has lowered prices for the Magnite by up to Rs 100,400. This has already created stronger demand for the model and is expected to support the launch of the B-segment MPV in 2026. All said and done, Nissan urgently needs new cars to get back into the driver's seat in India.