New Nissan Micra Becomes A Rebadged Renault Clio
Despite some initial reports earlier this year suggesting a bigger focus on Renault in Europe, the Nissan Micra is not on the chopping block. Fact is, the next-gen Nissan Micra is facing an exciting prospect as its set to align closer to the Renault Clio.
The Nissan Micra, which is built at the Flins plant alongside the all-electric Renault Zoe, has been under scrutiny after a report in May suggested that production could be cut due to slow sale. There were also concerns around possible factory closures as a result of the coronavirus but this announcement should help put any fears aside.
Plans For The New Nissan Micra
According to an interview in French newspaper Le Monde, Nissan has asked Renault to take the lead on developing and building the next-generation Nissan Micra. This comes after making assurances that it won’t be dropping the Micra just yet. This decision from Nissan could be the answer in keeping one of the oldest B-segment hatches well and truly alive.
According to Reuters, Nissan’s Chief Operations Officer Ashwani Gupta made the announcement telling Le Monde that the Nissan Micra will fall in-line with the alliance’s ‘leader-follow’ strategy. This was revealed in May as part of the broader restructuring process.
Despite some doubts over the future of the Nissan Micra, Gupta confirmed that “For the next generation of Micra, we will follow Renault, and we will ask Renault to develop and make the future Micra for us”.
Marco Fioravanti, the product planning boss at Nissan also had his say; “The next-generation Nissan Micra and Nissan Juke will follow in the track of the Renault Clio and Renault Captur”, allowing cost-effective differences in design between the two brands.
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance Plans For A Brighter Future
The current Nissan Micra has already undergone a design change and looks good compared to the previous models. However, with the future Micra sharing more with the ever-impressive Renault Clio, the alliance is cementing its place in the B-segment with what promises to be a brilliant hatchback.
Aside from its SUVs and bakkies (pick-ups), each alliance member will also be responsible for technological innovations. Nissan is taking the global lead while Renault is entrusted with in-vehicle technology, except in China. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, will primarily focus on Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV).
Currently, there is no confirmation on specifications for the new Nissan Micra or whether it will be available in South Africa which implies its debut is not happening anytime soon. Until then, follow our blog for more interesting news from across the motoring world and keep updated on the new Nissan Micra.
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