Dongfeng Nissan March may be sold under the Venucia own brand

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai August 23) - Dongfeng Nissan has confirmed that the Nissan March subcompact may be sold in the future under the joint venture's Venucia own brand label, Economic Observer News reported today. The news, which run contrary to what Vice President Ren Yong said in the past, was confirmed by Marketing Department Deputy Manager Yan Hongbin.

"[Because] there is currently no model targeted at the small car market, the March may be rebadged as a Venucia (pictured)," Mr. Yan said. If the brand change is made successfully, the March will be renamed the R30, in line with Venucia's naming style.

Mr. Yan went further on to explain the own brand's naming structure. Names of Venucia models will start with an 'R', followed by a two digit number. He brought up R70 and R90 as potential names for future models. The higher the number, the more luxurious the model is.

Dongfeng Nissan is putting its efforts behind developing both the Nissan and Venucia brands, with the debuts of the Nissan Teana Yida sedan and Venucia D50 being evidence of this. If all goes to plan, next month will see the market debut of the Venucia R50, which is based on the Teana Qida hatchback.

As the joint venture's smallest automobile, the March has gained praise from the Chinese automobile press, due in part to its lovable design. However, the 69,900 yuan to 92,900 yuan ($11,044-$14,678) price tag is notably more expensive than similar models from domestic manufacturers. The JV went as far to halt production of the subcompact last year due to poor sales. The March is currently produced on an order-by-order basis.