Terra mooted for SA

NISSAN: OFFERING SET TO RIVAL FORTUNER, EVEREST, M-UX AND PAJERO SPORT

It will only happen once new Rosslyn Plant is completed.

Nissan has indicated that its body-on-frame challenger to the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport – the Terra – could very well come to SA once local production of the Navara kicks-off next year.

Nissan SA media relations manager Veralda Schmidt, despite not mentioning the Terra by name, confirmed to The Citizen that prospects are favourable for a Navara-based SUV to become available in the coming years.

At present, the Terra, which debuted last year, is only offered in select Asian markets using the same 2.3-litre twin-turbodiesel engine as the Navara in Thailand, the previous generation D40 Navara’s 2.5-litre YD25DDTI oil-burner in the Philippines and a 2.5-litre petrol engine in China.

Initial focus will be placed on Navara production at its Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria following Nissan’s announcement in April that it will invest R3 billion into the facility for manufacturing of the next generation pick-up.

“Once we have established [Navara production], the chances are very good that there might be a Navara-based SUV available to our market, however, we first have to finish our plant and get our Navaras built,” Schmidt said.

The next generation will continue to be offered in double cab body style, but also a single cab for the first time.

Nissan SA marketing director Kabelo Rabotho also confirmed the automaker has no plans to bring the Titan to market, in spite of Australia’s on-going push for it to be made in right-hand-drive.

“The decision to bring any vehicle is always based on economics,” Rabotho said.