YOKOHAMA, Japan — Datsun continues to expand its global presence with the brand's return to Sri Lanka, where it was first introduced in 1957. This comes just a few weeks after the legendary brand was brought back to Lebanon.
Datsun is re-entering the market in Sri Lanka with the latest addition to its model line-up, the all-new Datsun redi-GO, a vehicle developed for aspirational and young people ready to take the next step in their lives. Datsun redi-GO was launched in India in early June 2016.
"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," said Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun. "Datsun's key values – Dream, Access and Trust - are designed to accommodate the needs and aspirations of up-and-coming customers who seek attractive styling, modern engineering, worry-free ownership, and an engaging driving experience. We are delighted to return to Sri Lanka with Datsun redi-GO to expand our offer in the largest vehicle market segment to a new generation of Sri Lankan customers who are ready for something new and exciting."
The Datsun redi-GO combines the roominess, best-in-class ground clearance (185 mm) and sheer fun of a crossover combined with the zippy driving and fuel efficiency of an affordable compact hatchback. By providing the best features of a crossover and the major attributes of an urban hatchback, the Datsun redi-GO delivers the best of both worlds.
The car will be offered through the dealer network of Nissan's long-time partner in Sri Lanka, Associated Motorways (Private) Ltd. (AMW).
Datsun redi-GO sales are scheduled to begin in September, with pricing and vehicle grades information to be announced as the start of sales draws closer.
About Datsun
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the return of the Datsun brand, Nissan's third global brand, alongside Nissan and Infiniti, in March 2012. Datsun provides a sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets. Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese car-making expertise and is an important part of Nissan's DNA. The new Datsun brand stands for Dream, Access and Trust. The overall Datsun customer offer includes a worry-free ownership experience at competitive cost, accessible services, with transparent pricing, and dealership proximity. Datsun cars are on sale now in India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa.
Datsun History
Datsun originated in Japan as DAT-GO (the DAT-car) almost a century ago in 1914. The word DAT means 'lightning-fast' in Japanese but is also a reference to the first letters of family names of the three financiers who supported the business at the time: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi. Using the same logic, it was promoted as Durable, Attractive and Trustworthy, or DAT for short.
In 1933, Nissan's founding father Yoshisuke Aikawa took over the business with a vision of "mobility for all". The introduction of a lightweight, economical yet resilient car to meet the aspirations of young Japanese people in the early 1930s was named the 'son of DAT' – Datson - which later changed to Datsun. Local engineering and mass-production made the founder's dream a reality.
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