Datsun Badge Returning For Emerging Markets: Report

Nissan's Datsun badge is back in the rumour mill, as reports emerge once again of a possible revival, nearly 30 years since its retirement.

Following talk last year of a focus on budget-priced models in emerging markets, Japanese newspaper Nikkei reports that a plan is close to getting a green light.

As reported before, the project is believed to revolve around using the Datsun badge as an affordable option for low-budget buyers, rather than diluting the higher-quality image of the Nissan brand.

Nissan's European partner Renault took a similar approach when it bought the Dacia brand in 1999. 

A return for the Datsun brand would likely form part of Nissan's "Power 88" business plan, which calls for a growth in global market share to eight percent - up from 5.8 percent in 2010 - over the next six years.

With a particular focus on emerging markets in Brazil, Russia, India and China - where the Datsun brand could be utilised - Nissan's plan will see it release an average of one vehicle every six weeks.

The Nikkei paper reports that the Datsun-branded cars will be priced at around $6000, depending on the market. India, Indonesia and Russia have been highlighted as likely launch markets.

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