Nissan Pixo: New Affordable Mini Car Made in India to Debut in Paris

Along with the revised 2009 Note mini MPV –see photos and details here- Nissan will also stage the global debut of its all-new mini car, the Pixo at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Built in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Corporation in Delhi, India, the Pixo is essentially a rebadged and restyled version of the new Suzuki Alto. Although hasn’t released pricing yet, the Japanese carmaker supports that when the Pixo goes on sale in Europe in spring 2009, it will be offered at ‘an extremely accessible price’. -Continued

Measuring 3,565 mm long, 1,470 mm tall and 1,600 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,360 mm, Nissan’s Pixo is roughly the same size as Fiat’s Panda mini car. According to Nissan, five-door hatchback can accommodate four passengers with comfort. he Pixo will be offered with an efficient three cylinder 1.0-litre engine matted to a standard 5-speed manual gearbox while buyers can also opt for a full four-speed automatic.

Toyota Starts Construction of Second Indian Plant

Toyota Motor Corporation or TMC for short held an official ceremony on Thursday (July 31, 2008) to mark the beginning of construction of its second plant on the outskirts of Bangalore in India's Karnataka State. The new plant is scheduled to have an annual production capacity of 100,000 passenger vehicles (including a new compact vehicle) when it begins operation in 2010.

Proton to Enter Indian Market in 2009

Malaysian national carmaker Proton has announced its plans to enter the burgeoning Indian market that currently supports annual sales of about 1.5 million passenger vehicles. Initially, the Malaysian company will market three models, the Savvy, the Saga and the Persona with sales expected to begin in early 2009. Proton is also negotiating with a joint-venture partner in India to manufacture and market its cars. "We are looking at a number of possible joint venture partners in India with a strong focus on marketing," said Syed Zainal, managing director of Proton Cars.