Datsun Re-Enters Sri Lankan Market With redi-GO Hatchack

Datsun will be making a comeback to the Sri Lankan market this year with the redi-GO hatchback expanding its global presence, the company announced today.

By Sameer Contractor

1 mins read

Published on August 11, 2016

Highlights

Datsun first entered the Sri Lankan market in 1957
Datsun discontinued operations globally in 1986
Sales for the Datsun redi-GO will commence in September in Sri Lanka

Datsun will be making a comeback to the Sri Lankan market this year with the redi-GO hatchback expanding its global presence, the company announced today. The legendary brand that originally commenced production in 1931, was discontinued back in 1986 from all countries. However, parent company Nissan re-introduced the automaker in 2013 as the automaker's sub-brand for low cost affordable products in emerging markets. The Datsun brand first made its foray in Sri Lanka in 1957. The re-introduction will see the automaker sell the all-new redi-GO entry-level hatchback that was launched in India in June this year. Datsun's arrival in Sri Lanka also comes just weeks after the brand was re-introduced in Lebanon. The Datsun brand was also introduced in Lebanon earlier this year Speaking about the brand re-introduction, Vincent Cobee, Global Head Datsun said, "The return of Datsun to Sri Lanka is a key element of our expansion in fast-growing markets where there is growing demand for personal mobility." Rivaling the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Renault Kwid, Hyundai Eon and the likes, the redi-GO is most affordable offering from Datsun and draws power from an 800cc three-cylinder engine tuned to produce 53bhp and 72Nm of torque. The motor comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The car comes with all the essential features including 2-DIN audio system, power steering, front power windows, LED DRLs and a driver side airbag. The car comes with an impressive ground clearance of 185mm and a boot capacity of 222-litres. The Datsun redi-GO will be offered through the dealer network of Nissan's long-time partner Associated Motorways (Private) Ltd. (AMW) in Sri Lanka. Sales are scheduled to commence in September this year, while pricing and vehicle grades information will be announced closer to the launch. The redi-GO is shipped from Renault-Nissan's Chennai plant to Sri Lanka.