Nissan Magnite expands globally with first shipment to LHD markets

The new Nissan Magnite, a B-SUV launched by Nissan Motor India in October 2024, is now expanding its presence in global Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets, an official news release stated.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India (left) and Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. posing with the first shipment of the vehicle. Photo courtesy: Collected
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India (left) and Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. posing with the first shipment of the vehicle. Photo courtesy: Collected

In late January 2025, Nissan Motor India marked a significant milestone by flagging off its first shipment of nearly 2,900 LHD units of the Magnite from the Kamarajar Port (KPL) in Chennai, India.

This shipment is headed to select markets in the LATAM region, reinforcing Nissan’s ‘One Car One World’ strategy and emphasizing India’s role as a key hub for global exports.

By February 2025, Nissan will export over 7,100 units of the New Magnite as part of the second wave, targeting markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia Pacific region. By the end of February, the company will have exported over 10,000 units of the LHD version of the New Magnite.

Frank Torres. Photo courtesy: uk.nissannews.com
Frank Torres. Photo courtesy: uk.nissannews.com

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, commented on the milestone, saying, “Nissan Motor India has been diligently working towards expanding its operations and reach, not just within the domestic market but also focusing on exports. In line with our export plans announced last year, we are delighted to begin exports of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. This is a significant achievement, and we look forward to serving new customers in these regions. The Nissan Magnite has been the cornerstone of our success in both India and global markets, and we are confident that this India-made vehicle will drive our export growth further.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The commencement of exports of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite is a proud moment for us, as it aligns with our ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy. The Magnite showcases the best of Japanese engineering combined with local expertise. It reinforces our ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, delivering world-class innovation, safety, and value to customers globally. This also highlights India’s increasing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. Nissan remains committed to its operations in India, as well as to our dealers, partners, and customers. We are on track with the plans we laid out during the launches of the 4th Generation Nissan X-TRAIL and New Nissan Magnite last year.”

Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., said: “The successful production and export of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive markets is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our team and the world-class manufacturing standards at our Chennai plant. This achievement underscores India’s significant role in driving Nissan’s global success and further elevates the reputation of the New Nissan Magnite as a truly global vehicle.”

The New Magnite has been designed to cater to customers worldwide, boasting a range of features that make it an appealing choice.

With a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a dynamic stance, the Magnite makes a strong visual statement on the road.

It comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. Other convenient features include a remote engine start, air ionizer, and a cooled glovebox.

A comprehensive suite of safety features includes six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), and a rearview camera for added peace of mind.

Powered by an advanced turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, the Magnite is available with both manual and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) options.

Manufactured at Nissan’s Alliance JV plant in Chennai, the LHD variant of the New Magnite signifies India’s pivotal role as a manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. The New Magnite will soon be available in over 65 global markets, including most LHD markets.

With the growing popularity of the ‘Made in India’ New Nissan Magnite, the company is showcasing its technological expertise and manufacturing strength on the global stage.

Following the launch of the New Magnite, Nissan Motor India also began exporting the Right-Hand Drive (RHD) version of the SUV to South Africa, marking a successful debut in the African market. Within a month of its global launch in India, over 2,700 units of the RHD Magnite were shipped from Chennai to South Africa, further solidifying the SUV’s global appeal.

Since its debut in December 2020, the New Nissan Magnite has made a strong impact both in India and abroad, surpassing 170,000 cumulative sales. The updated version of the Magnite features a tougher, bolder design that enhances its road presence, with more premium exterior and interior details.