Datsun brand coming back...

[Rich A]

The Datsun brand maybe coming back to the US.
I know the pricing won't be in the $3k range, but it will bring back the basic car.
I personally think it will work, if they keep it simple and use products that are already in productions and that work.

For Datsun revival, Nissan gambles on $3,000 model - Yahoo! Autos

[Slord]

I have to admit I just skimmed the article but where did it say they were going to reintroduce in to the US market? I only read that the Datsun brand was coming to developing markets where safety and emissions regs are almost nonexistant.
One of my favourite cars I ever owned was a 1973 Datsun 240z but there is no way that could be sold here for $3000 dollars anymore. Heck, just try to replace one airbag.

[dagall]

It did say in the article, they would not come to the US because of safety standards which would kick the price up and not go along with the pricing points they have set.

[Hoosier]

That's how Hyundai and Kia got off the ground. They're making some pretty nice vehicles these days, but I have to wonder if they wouldn't have been better off sticking with what made them.

[Rich A]

Slord, here's the quote.

...and because Nissan has no interest in cannibalizing its existing sales—the company says Datsun cars won't be sold in the U.S. or other industrialized nations, at least not initially.
In those markets, regulatory and safety issues alone would virtually eliminate the company's super low-pricing strategy.
"If you go to the U.S., it's not going to end up being $3,000," Mr. Ghosn said.

Nissan Motor Co. already has their luxury vehicle line, Infiniti.
Nissan could become their mid line vehicle and Datsun could become once again their entry level vehicle line.

Similar to Toyota Motor Corp. Lexus (luxury), Toyota (Mid), and Scion (Entry).

If they keep it simple and use products/parts that are already in productions and that work they can build an inexpensive vehicle in the $10-15K price range.
There aren't that many vehicles in that price range. I can only think of two that start at $15k.
It can be done.

[Slord]

Originally Posted by Rich A

Slord, here's the quote.


Nissan Motor Co. already has their luxury vehicle line, Infiniti.
Nissan could become their mid line vehicle and Datsun could become once again their entry level vehicle line.

Similar to Toyota Motor Corp. Lexus (luxury), Toyota (Mid), and Scion (Entry).

If they keep it simple and use products/parts that are already in productions and that work they can build an inexpensive vehicle in the $10-15K price range.
There aren't that many vehicles in that price range. I can only think of two that start at $15k.
It can be done.

Right! Exactly my point. The thread title said coming back to US but I didn't read that. Even your quote makes sound like they won't be coming back to the US.
Hey Why doesn't Mr. Ghosn's quote show up here?

[Mike D]

Crap....I went through grade skool as 'B-210' (my last name is Dotson) and was sooo glad to see Nissan badges appear.

[Alain V.]

I too have many fond memories of "Dat-SOON".

My first racecar was a 1970 Datsun 1200,,,,,13.75 to one compression,carillo rods,alum flywheel,webers,& a close ratio 5 speed.

and I also spent some time in a 510. Great times!

[jimgood]

I would so love for them to bring back the 510. There's one for sale here in Marshall but it's been ruined by conversion to a 4 x 4.

[LynnB]

Many fond memories of an Army buddy's Datsun 2000. Gad, what a riot that thing was! Right up until he got his gigantic clodhoppers tangled up in the tiny footwell, and we went over the side of a mountain early one morning coming down from guard duty the previous night. Hanging upside down in the seatbelts with the roll bar waiting to clonk us on the head when we opened the buckle. Neither of us got more than scratches (and a lump on the head), but the car didn't survive.

I'd love to see 2000s in showrooms again.


Lynn B.