Nissan May Produce Second Sub-$10,000 Car

Washington DC February 6, 2010; The AIADA newsletter reported that Nissan plans to offer its second-generation Versa sedan with a base price of about $10,000 and may offer a second model under $10,000 in the future.

According to Automotive News, the redesigned Versa will debut in two years. It is being developed on Nissan's next-generation V platform and will be assembled in Mexico. The V platform is Nissan's highest-volume global platform. If sales of the second-generation Versa go well, Nissan executives say they may develop an additional vehicle under $10,000, not including freight, for the United States.

While sales of the base Versa sedan are small – Nissan sold about 1,800 Versas last year at the base price of $9,990, plus $720 shipping – the automaker says developing a redesigned Versa sedan with a base price under $10,000 creates the discipline to develop a profitable, low-priced U.S. model. And Nissan says a low-priced Versa draws buyers to the showroom.

Nissan says 15 percent of Sentra buyers originally came into dealerships looking for the Versa. The Versa is Nissan's lowest-priced car. Power windows, power door locks, a radio, and air conditioning are optional.