Nissan Australia Reveals New Model Plans For 2011 And Beyond

Nissan's replacement for the Tiida small car is just around the corner, and yes, it just might wear the Pulsar badge.

In a press conference on the eve before the Australian International Motor Show, Nissan Australia's CEO Dan Thompson revealed the company's product plans, with at least six all-new products to hit showrooms between now and the third quarter of 2012.

First off the rank is the K13 2011 Micra, which makes its local public debut today at the Sydney show and officially launches next month.

The P61G Patrol V8 is expected to go on sale before the end of 2011, but of more import is the impending replacement for the Tiida sedan and hatch, which Mr. Thompson confirmed could see a return of the Pulsar nameplate.

The Pulsar name was dropped in 2006 when the model was replaced by the Tiida. Although the Tiida is currently sold as the Versa in North America, it wears the same Tiida badge in all other markets.

However, after much lobbying of Nissan's top brass, the carmaker's Australian arm has secured the right to bring back the iconic Pulsar name.

Design studies of the Tiida's succesor have already been built, but have yet to be shown to the public.

Mr Thompson was quick to point out that the recently-released rendering of an upcoming Nissan 'global sedan' does not depict the Tiida's replacement, but rather a light sedan that could sell alongside the Micra.

An arrival date for the Tiida replacement is still a mystery, but Nissan Australia fully expects it to be on sale before the end of 2012. It's too early to speculate on powertrain, pricing or specification.

Other models already in Nissan's pipeline include the all-electric LEAF small car, as well as a light commercial van to rival the Hyundai iLoad.

The van will likely be the Nissan NV200, a van currently on sale in the Japanese and European markets.