The CMF approach defines vehicles as five essential modules: the engine bay, cockpit, front underbody, rear underbody and electrical/electronic architecture. The compatible parts can then be assembled into hundreds of possible configurations, for maximum efficiency and brand differentiation.

Production of vehicles within the CMF-A scope will begin in 2015 at the Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Chennai. "Renault and Nissan will reveal additional details, including pricing details and product volume, closer to the start of production. Like all CMF categories, CMF-A offers a high degree of flexibility. Significant body style and powertrain variations can be matched to specific customer needs and preferences in India and other high-growth markets," explains Yomura adding that it is too early to say whether the CMF-A products would be exported from India.

Of course, exports remain a key aspect of the overall picture. "Export is critical to the business operations in India and showcases world-class Indian production quality on the global stage. However, our primary focus is to become a major player in the Indian market. We will continue to explore opportunities for widening the export base for India-built cars. We have enough capacity currently to satisfy both export and domestic demands," says Yomura.

Nissan, today, exports products to over 100 countries including Europe, Middle East, Africa and South American regions. "The European markets account for about 50 per cent of the company's exports while the remaining 50 per cent goes to Middle Eastern countries and other overseas markets including some parts of Africa. Our plant is capable of producing cars complying with regulatory and quality standards of these markets," he adds. 

Some industry analysts claim that the design of some of the Nissan products is not very appealing to the Indian customer. What's Yomura's take on this perspective? "At Nissan Design, our mission is to create attractive designs for the excitement of our customer's everyday life. In achieving this mission, we source our ideas from the emotional value customers expect from an automobile and strive not just to fulfil them, but to go an extra mile."

He further explains Nissan India's design approach: "In India, we have offered some of our very unique designs. For example, Nissan Terrano conveys modernity while paying homage to Nissan's SUV design heritage seen in models like Patrol and Pathfinder. The model's front-end highlights Nissan's V-Motion design signature, which starts from the angled strut grille and moves up through the bonnet. The chrome finished grille gives the vehicle a strong attitude while the sharp headlamps - with a four-pod design - cast a deep-set eye impression and feature sleek, integrated turn signals.

"The wide, tough front lends the Terrano a very powerful personality. The New Sunny, for example, breaks convention with its bold, fresh face courtesy of a bigger front grille and boomerang shaped headlamps, while chrome detailing around the car gives the sedan a classy appearance."

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