The Canadian version of the Nissan Micra could sell in the USA for around $9,000 starting price.
Is Nissan management missing the boat here?
Is Nissan management missing the boat here?
Not at all. Too low profit margin. Nissan (or any other car maker) would never start offering an inexpensive vehicle in USA, where they spent years grooming public to buy expensive cars filled with all available options as a base version. Just look how they jacked up price of a base 2020 Nissan Versa S by $2k compare with 2019 base version.Is Nissan management missing the boat here?
As much as I despise SUVs/CUVs, they make huge profits. Look at Ford; they canceled all of their sedans and hatchbacks (Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, plus the Grand C-Max several years ago before it even made it to the US) and are going all-in on SUVs.Not at all. Too low profit margin. Nissan (or any other car maker) would never start offering an inexpensive vehicle in USA, where they spent years grooming public to buy expensive cars filled with all available options as a base version. Just look how they jacked up price of a base 2020 Nissan Versa S by $2k compare with 2019 base version.
I think the "people want SUVs" line is bogus; if we were offered more and better sedans/coupes/hatchbacks/station wagons/mini-minivans, we would choose those over SUVs. I would. If Toyota offered a 3-row Toyota Prius V, I would take it over the Rav4 hybrid any day.I think most of us would think it's a great idea having an offering at that starting price, but like said, most new vehicle buyers are buying trucks, suvs, cuvs, etc. They aren't making money selling cars, so they don't want to waste floor space and their allotments filling the lots with no profit margin.
To me, even so. Why not offer a $9-11K Versa with little/no option choices. They're going to sell being that cheap. They're still going to make a profit on it, plus financing, plus selling extended warranties, service, etc.
For what ever reason 'the cheapest, lowest cost car in America' thing never works out.
As I mentioned above, the Versa/Versa Note have slaughtered the subcompact competition in America. It outsells Toyota and Honda, the two heavyweights in America, combined (Yaris and Fit). It's not even close. I wouldn't buy the 2nd generation Versa sedan (2012-2019) because it's butt-ugly (especially the face-lifted 2015-2019 model) but I bought a Versa Note. I'm sure a huge reason for the Versa's success is because of its cheap price (i.e. affordable). Even if I had the money, I don't want to spend $30k+ for a car when I can get a functional, brand-new car with a full warranty for $12k.The Business Model.
Toyota for example. As with others.
Offers a vehicle for just about every segment.
The good marketing people wish to have young people start out with a new car. A budget car. And as they age and income increases - they purchase the more expensive models of same brand. Get them when they are young - usually at a time when there income is low. And keep them coming back for the more expensive cars as their income increases and family size increases. Initial brand loyalty.
Nissan sales have declined. Whether it is the wrong product, styling, or the CVT debacle. Something needs to be done at Nissan.
The Nissan Micra is one way to get young people into the Nissan camp. The Nissan marketing geniuses just don't get it. And Nissan sales continue to decline.
Hello Nissan. Wake up and smell the roses !
Just next time you send a letter to Nissan sign it something like "Songkrai and Sons, Ltd"...I personally wrote a letter to the CEO of Nissan USA. Politely mentioning bringing the Nissan Micra to the USA.
Guess what I received back from Nissan USA???
I received a letter back from Nissan USA stating that they do not accept letters from customers. I have it here and would post it if I could ever figure out how to do that.
Nissan USA does not want any letters from the general public.
On a positive side, it means people vote with their money...Sales of Nissan vehicles continues to slide downward. Sad !