Nissan Plans to Expand Nismo-Badged Cars for Global Markets

by Alpha / Apr 28, 2017 08:45 PM EDT

Nissan 370-Z Nismo Roadset Concept Car at Annual Chicago Auto Show in 2015

In the world of motorsport, Nismo is one of the most reputed names, but Nissan was slow to capitalize its full benefit. Until 2013, Nismo was not seen as a genuine sub-brand for road cars and the fancy badge was only limited to the Juke, 370Z and GT-R since then. Following a big announcement, much change is expected soon from Nissan.

Though Nismo Cars Business Department has been set up to rapidly expand the range of cars wearing a Nismo badge, the Nissan team is reserved about what those cars will look like. On a global scale of operations, the performance sub-brand comes around 15,000 cars annually across Japan, North America, Europe and Middle East. NewAtlas reported. The newly added unit will bring in to talent from other Nissan Group divisions spanning across Autech and Nissan Motorsports International. Nissan also states that the new arm will develop road-going NISMO vehicles in brief timeframe.

With better integration of Nismo into the development process of Nissan regular models, the company aims to lessen the time consumed to make regular model family car into something that's very special while making it available for more markets.

"As a Nissan sub-brand, Nismo further builds upon the core values of Nissan cars. With the combined expertise of Nissan group companies, Nismo road cars will make customers enjoy Nissan cars more than ever." Takao Katagiri, President and CEO of Nissan Motorsports International says.

Recently, Nissan added the Sentra NISMO for the 2017 model year, the first NISMO-badged compact sedan. Respectively in other marketplaces across the globe, Nissan offers, full-size Patrol SUV, subcompact Note hatchback and other NISMO variants. In addition to developing new NISMO road cars, NISMO Business Department will also work with Nissan Motorsports International for promotion. Nissan states that NISMO-badged vehicles will shown at dealerships and it will use its new division to hold activities and events for owners of NISMO vehicles.Motortrend reported.