Nissan is betting on the bounce-back of the Brazilian economy with it emerging that the automaker paid about $250 million to be a major sponsor at the ongoing 2016 Rio Olympics.
While speaking with Detroit News after running with the Olympic torch, Nissan-Renault boss Carlos Ghosn said that its South American product offensive will be led by the upcoming Nissan Kicks.
The sporty and stylish crossover was designed with the help of the firm’s local design team in Rio, specifically with a focus on being perfectly suited to the congested and poor quality streets which litter many Latin American cities. The four on-board cameras of the kicks will prove particularly useful for drivers and the imminent threat of unseen hazards.
In the following 12 months, Nissan hopes to sell up to 50,000 Kicks in Latin America alone as Ghosn wants to see Nissan and Renault increase their market share by 50 per cent.
“As Nissan, we need to improve the awareness of the brand, which is obviously not the case for some of our competitors who are very well-established. Participating in the Olympics is a good way to boost this awareness, particularly when you have new products and good things to tell the public,” Ghosn confirmed.
Throughout Rio 2016, locals have ample opportunity to see what Nissan is all about. There are some 4,200 cars being used to transport competitors and dignitaries and during the torch relay, numerous Nissan Kicks followed the massive convoy.
Note: Nissan Kicks Concept pictured
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