Nissan has started production of the Datsun on-DO, the new family sedan developed specifically for Russia. The four-door, five-seat compact model is built at the Togliatti plant as part of a partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Avtovaz.
More than 5,000 employees are involved in the production of the Datsun on-DO, which is based on the Lada Granta. Nissan says supervisors and shop managers have been trained to Alliance Production Way principles, while two dedicated training zones, manned by Nissan Motor specialists, ensure that the line staff uses Datsun assembly standards.
“Datsun is coming to make the dream of purchasing a foreign car for the first time a reality for our Russian customers. Our brand provides access to worry-free ownership experience as well as trust by ensuring product reliability and transparency in services provided,” said Vincent Cobee, global head of Datsun and member of the Avtovaz Board of Directors.
Designed to tackle Russia’s road and weather conditions, the Datsun on-DO is the result of joint development efforts of an international team of engineers from Russia, Japan and other countries. The car’s styling was penned at the Nissan Design Center in Atsugi, Japan.
Prices in Russia start at 329,000 Roubles, which is equivalent to about $9,580. The car will be available for pre-order at 25 dedicated Datsun brand dealerships in key regions of Russia from the second half of July. Sales are expected to begin at end of the summer.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
