Nissan Expands Global Reach with the Export of New Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Magnite: Over 10,000 Units Shipped
Nissan Motor India continues to accelerate its global presence with the recent commencement of exports for the New Nissan Magnite. Initially launched in October 2024, the B-SUV has already made a significant mark with its bold design, premium features, and road presence. Now, the Nissan Magnite is set to make its global debut in select Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets, marking an important milestone in the company’s expansion strategy.
In late January 2025,Motor India sent the first shipment of nearly 2,900 units of the LHD variant of the New Nissan Magnite from Chennai’s Kamarajar Port (KPL – Ennore) to select markets in the Latin American (LATAM) region. This shipment serves as the first wave of exports under Nissan’s ‘One Car One World’ strategy, which aims to establish the Magnite as a globally recognized model manufactured in India.
This milestone is a testament to Nissan’s commitment to transforming India into a major export hub. The success of the Magnite has allowed the company to position India as a key player in global automotive manufacturing and exports. The New Nissan Magnite is manufactured at Nissan’s Alliance Joint Venture (JV) plant in Chennai, which has played a pivotal role in producing world-class vehicles for global markets.
The Magnite’s Expansion Continues
The global export of the New Nissan Magnite is far from over. In February 2025, will export an additional 7,100 units as part of the second wave, targeting markets in the Middle East, North Africa, LATAM, and the Asia Pacific region. By the end of February, over 10,000 units of the Left-Hand Drive version of the Magnite will have been shipped globally, reinforcing Nissan’s position as a global automaker with a strong export focus.
Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of India Operations, shared his excitement about the achievement: “Nissan Motor India has been focused on expanding not only within the domestic market but also enhancing our export operations. We are proud to begin exporting the Left-Hand Drive version of the New Nissan Magnite to international markets. This is a major step in our journey to increase our global footprint, and we are excited to introduce the Magnite to new customers around the world.”
Torres continued, “The Magnite has become a cornerstone of our success, both in India and internationally. As an India-made vehicle, it represents our efforts to enhance global exports while ensuring the highest quality and innovation.”
Commitment to Global Growth
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the commencement of LHD exports, emphasizing that the launch was in line with the company’s vision of ‘One Car, One World’. “The New Magnite showcases the best of Japanese engineering and Indian expertise. It is a proud moment for us, and we remain committed to the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ philosophy. This vehicle embodies world-class safety, innovation, and value, ensuring that customers across the globe receive a product they can trust and enjoy.”
Vatsa also highlighted the significance of India as a manufacturing hub, noting that the Chennai plant has become a critical site in global operations. “India is playing an increasingly important role in Nissan’s manufacturing strategy, and this export expansion reinforces our commitment to our dealers, partners, and customers.”
Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director of Renault Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., underscored the importance of the Chennai plant in fulfilling ‘s global vision. He said, “The production and export of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite is a direct result of the exceptional capabilities of our team and the world-class standards upheld at the Chennai plant. This milestone further strengthens the reputation of the New Nissan Magnite as a truly global vehicle, contributing to Nissan’s success worldwide.”
Key Features of the New Nissan Magnite
The New Nissan Magnite is a B-SUV that offers an impressive array of features, combining style, technology, and performance. Some of the standout features include:
- Striking Design: The Magnite boasts a bold exterior, featuring a distinctive front grille, sleek LED headlights, and an athletic stance that commands attention on the road. Its striking design is bound to appeal to customers worldwide, making it a standout choice in the crowded SUV segment.
- Advanced Technology: The SUV comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Magnite also features convenient innovations like a remote engine start, air ionizer, and a cooled glovebox for enhanced comfort and convenience.
- Enhanced Safety: With a strong emphasis on safety, the New Magnite is equipped with a range of features designed to ensure peace of mind for its occupants. It includes six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and a rearview camera, making it one of the safest choices in its segment.
- Efficient Performance: Powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter engine, the New Magnite delivers impressive performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. Customers can choose between a manual transmission or an advanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), both of which offer a smooth driving experience.
A Testament to ‘Made in India, Make for the World’
Nissan’s push for global exports is rooted in its ‘Made in India, Make for the World’ vision. The New Nissan Magnite is one of the key vehicles that represent this philosophy. Since its debut in December 2020, the Magnite has already surpassed cumulative sales of 170,000 units, making a significant impact in both the Indian and international markets.
The Magnite’s success is a testament to the company’s ability to meet global standards while catering to diverse customer needs. The vehicle’s ‘Bold Inside Out’ philosophy combines a rugged, tough exterior with premium interior features, offering a balance of form and function that appeals to customers across the globe.
The launch of the Left-Hand Drive version of the Magnite opens the doors to more international markets, further establishing the model as a global player. In addition to the LHD exports, the New Nissan Magnite was recently shipped to South Africa, marking a successful step in expanding its reach. With over 2,700 units shipped to South Africa within a month of its launch, the Magnite has demonstrated its ability to resonate with international customers.
India’s Growing Role as an Export Hub
India’s growing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan is becoming more evident. The Chennai plant has played a central role in producing vehicles like the New Nissan Magnite, which are now being exported to over 65 global markets, including various LHD regions. The success of the Magnite has not only increased Nissan’s export volumes but also solidified India’s position as a critical part of Nissan’s global strategy.
