Nissan Doubles Down On India With Major Investment & Expansion Plans

Nissan to double India output, invest $700M and expand CNG and SUV line-up

Nissan Motor India is making a strong statement about its long-term commitment to the Indian market. The automaker announced plans to double its annual production capacity to 2,00,000 units by the fiscal year 2026-27, supported by a significant investment of $700 million over the next two years.

According to Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, the company is focused on strengthening both its domestic presence and export operations, with half of the planned production earmarked for international markets. The Chennai facility, which produced 1,00,000 vehicles last fiscal, will be the centre of this expansion.

Amid speculations about its future in India following the sale of a 51% stake in its manufacturing joint venture to Renault, Nissan’s recent announcements aim to dispel any doubts. The upcoming investment will support a new vehicle portfolio, set to launch between 2025 and 2027. This includes a B-segment multipurpose vehicle (MPV) arriving in early 2026, and two new SUVs — a five-seater and a seven-seater — slated for early 2027.

Vatsa emphasised that Nissan’s export strategy, which has seen the Magnite reach over 65 countries, will extend to the new models as well. The company’s existing dealer network is also set to benefit, with nearly 180 locations expected to be operational by the end of the year. Vatsa noted growing interest from new dealer partners, driven by the broader and more diverse product pipeline.

Nissan is also expanding its alternative fuel offerings with the introduction of a CNG variant of the Magnite. Priced at ₹74,999 for kit installation at authorised centers, this option will initially be rolled out in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, beginning June 1. Further expansion is planned in the second phase.

The Magnite, already E20-compliant and available in multiple powertrains, now gains a CNG option paired with a manual transmission on the naturally aspirated BR10 engine. Vatsa expressed confidence in the vehicle’s adaptability and appeal, citing its competitive boot space and overall flexibility.

Nissan targets initial CNG sales volumes of 2500 to 3000 units in the first year, with expectations to ramp up as availability expands. The Magnite, which is set to cross the 200,000-unit sales milestone this month, remains central to Nissan’s India strategy.

As the company prepares for the next growth phase, its strategic investments and expanded product lineup signal a clear intent to remain a significant player in the Indian automotive sector.