Nissan stops Evalia production in India

Japanese car major Nissan is learnt to have stopped producing the MPV model Evalia. The main reason has been a cold response from customers in India. This is a contrast to some overseas markets where the model is called the NV 200. A company spokesperson says, "The Evalia’s design and styling is unconventional and unfortunately it has not met our sales expectations with our Indian customers."

Evalia production could resume if the company manages to clear out the inventory and create some space in the market for the model. That is a tall task though. "We continue to promote the vehicle with our target customers,” says the spokesperson. 

The Evalia was pitted against the Innova from Toyota. The latter continues to lead the segment which also has others like the Mahindra Xylo. Since it went on sale in October 2012, the Evalia could find only 2,412 customers in India.

It is to be noted that the Stile, the rebadged version of the Evalia that was launched by Nissan's joint venture partner Ashok Leyland, was discontinued in May this year. Launched on October 7, 2013, the Stile was the second product after the Dost SCV from the Ashok Leyland-Nissan Motor joint venture in the light commercial vehicle business. It had sold 1,154 units.

The decision to stop the Evalia's production could be seen as part of Nissan Motor India's comeback plan that focuses on enhancing its reach and portfolio with models in mainstream segments that are growing as well as tap the luxury SUV segment.