After more than two decades in production virtually unchanged, Nissan’s Mexican division is killing off one of the oldest cars in the market, and at the same time, one of the most criticized for its dismal safety record, the Tsuru compact sedan.
The nameplate was launched in 1984 as the Mexican market Sentra, but the variant sold from 1992 until 2016 was the most prolific of the lot. Nissan Mexicana manufactured it without any significant changes for 24 years, selling 1,849,289 units in the process.
The Tsuru was a re-badged Sentra, and Mexico contributed to the model’s success worldwide with more than 2,400,000 units sold since 1984. The models destined for the Mexican market, however, featured a new Renault transmission, an updated electronic system and various cosmetic upgrades. It also competed against Nissan’s other models, including the B14 Sentra.
“In the Mexican automotive industry, Tsuru is one of the top sales leaders. The majority of Mexicans have some history that binds us to the Nissan Tsuru. The sedan, which has a huge following, has provided families in Mexico high-quality, reliable and durable transportation since 1984”, said Mayra Gonzalez, president and general director, Nissan Mexicana.
What Nissan’s Mexican arm failed to mention is that the Tsuru was widely panned for its poor safety, with most models being sold without airbags. In April this year, Latin NCAP said that the Tsuru that got zero stars in crash tests, experienced the highest fatality score for crashes in which it was involved.
“Between 2007 and 2012, there were 2,011 crashes involving fatalities with this model resulting in 4,102 deaths. This represents an annual average of 335 crashes and 684 deaths,” said NCAP, with David Ward, secretary general of the British-based Global NCAP calling Nissan to axe the car:
“By continuing to sell the Tsuru in Mexico, Nissan are exploiting the lack of crash test standards and exposing their customers to an entirely avoidable risk of death and serious injury. Ahead of the application of UN Safety Standards, Nissan should do the right thing and withdraw from sale this sub-standard and unsafe model,” he said.
A special commemorative version of the Tsuru will be sold from March 2017, with only 1000 slated for production. From then on, it’s bye-bye forever. With no successor in the making, Nissan will direct customers towards Versa and the Tiida, although the Tsuru only cost $141,300 MXN – that’s $7,574.
PHOTO GALLERY
