Nissan ‘uncovers’ renewed Versa equipment to sell in Mexico

Although Versa is the best selling model of the Japanese manufacturer in the Mexican market, its marketing has fallen so far this year. Between January and August, Nissan dealers sold 55,594 units of the model, 5.6 percent less than in the same period of 2018, according to data from the Mexican Association of Automotive Dealers.

But brand managers expect demand to pick up after the arrival of the new generation.

"We are very excited to produce Nissan Versa 2020, which with an innovative design, new security systems and new technologies unique to its segment, we are sure that it will continue to conquer the national and international market," said Armando Ávila, manufacturing vice president of Nissan Mexicana .

As published Automotive News MexicoLast week, Nissan invested 278 million dollars to start production of the model at the Aguascalientes A1 plant.

The Japanese manufacturer detailed in a statement released Monday that $ 83 million was allocated for the conditioning of the production lines of bodies, paint and assembly, where 354 robots were reprogrammed and 85 new dies added, in addition to the inclusion of new colors and technologies

Another 78 million were invested in tooling within the plants of the suppliers involved in the project, and the remaining 117 million were to produce the new generation of the engine.

The new Versa, which will arrive at Mexican dealerships in early October, will feature a new 118 horsepower engine – 12 horses more than the previous generation -, with more technology and safety systems, and with 10 exterior color options, three more than the previous generation.

The renewed Versa body will be made of ultra high tension steel, which will make it stronger and lighter.

José Román, president and CEO of Nissan Mexicana, said in an interview with Automotive News Mexico, that the renewed Versa launch is part of a product portfolio renewal strategy to boost sales.

“We have four or five models per market that are really important because they are the ones that generate the volume. In Mexico, Versa, March, Kicks and NP300 are basic and in these vehicles we will place many of our resources, ”Román said. "We must have products that customers are satisfied with," he added.