MARCH ECO-CAR SET FOR PRODUCTION IN 2010

       Nissan yesterday called its March eco-car, to be introduced next March, "right car at the right time and the right place".
       "I'm confident the eco-car will be highly successful in the market," said Toru Hasegawa, president of Nissan Motor (Thailand).
       Hasegawa showed journalists a sketch of the new model, the first from the eco-car project promoted by the government.
       The eco-car will play a major role in helping the Japanese brand double its sales volume in the local market within three years and increase its market share to 10 per cent, Hasegawa said.
       Total annual Nissan production in Thailand is expected to reach 200,000 units in 2012.
       The eco-car will have fuel economy of better than 20 kilometres per litre, carbon dioxide emissions of less than 120 grams per kilometre, UNECE 94 and 95 safety standards and room to fit five adults comfortably.
       Earlier in the morning, Hasegawa met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and confirmed the eco-car would be launched next March.
       He told Abhisit that due to the fluctuating market caused by the recession and unknown future events, it would be helpful if the government offered further tax privileges that would help eco-car manufacturers boost domestic volume.
       Nissan plans to make 100,000 eco-cars a year within five years: one-third for the domestic market and two-thirds for export to 13 countries.
       "Making 100,000 units a year is a very visible target, and I have 100-per-cent confidence in achieving this," Hasegawa said.
       Nissan Motor in Japan earlier announced it would model to Thailand, due to increasing production costs at home, and the car fits nicely with the eco-car profile.
       Hasegawa refused to give further details on the eco-car, including the platform.
       "I cannot disclose the pricing, but it will definitely be reasonable for the market," he said.
       Nissan's eco-car is not simply a "cheap" car, but rather a hit-tech small car that comes with outstanding fuel economy, high safety standards, a low emissions level and a large interior.
       Before assuming his present position in February, Hasegawa helped Nissan Motor double sales in the Middle East to 200,000 units a year and Nissan Indonesia increase sales fourfold.
       "I'd like to do the same here," he said.