Colin Dodge told reporters: “There is a strategic importance for India as it has a great potential (with) forecast of over 3 million units in the next five years.” He added: “Globally, Nissan has five per cent market share and in India also we hope to have around the same level.”

The Nissan-Renault alliance also intends producing vehicles in India and have invested Rs 4,500 Crore in a car plant in Chennai, India, which will employ 3,000 workers by 2012 and will begin production in May 2010. The car plant will source local components to ensure its cars have 85 percent localized components.