Datsun today marked its return to South Africa with the market introduction of the Datsun GO. The Datsun GO is designed to meet the needs and aspirations of today’s customers and is destined to carve a distinctive niche as a lifestyle vehicle for first time new car buyers.
The return of Datsun 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 ‘people on the GO’- people who are active, have defined priorities and pursue the optimum choice for their stage of life. These young customers 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.
“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.
Datsun GO is planned to go on sale in the last quarter of CY2014 and our aim is to bring the car in at 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 branded dealerships throughout South Africa, a number to be doubled in mid-term.