Nissan launches Thailand’s first eco car, March

Nissan executives said the company would produce 90,000 of the five-door hatchbacks, built on new "versatile platform" vehicle underpinnings, at its suburban Bangkok plant in the year starting April 1, of which 70,000 would be for export.

The cars’ first lot with a 5-speed manual transmission will be delivered to buyers within 2-3 weeks, while models of the Xtronic CVT technology, whose gear ratio can expand from its lowest to highest range, can be delivered from June.

The 1,200-cc engine compact, called March in Thailand, China and Japan, and Micra in India, Europe and other markets, is being sold in a price range of 375,000-537,000 baht ($11,500-$16,500), about 20 percent cheaper than similar cars from rivals.

The car's carbon dioxide emissions are below 120 grammes and is able to use fuel more efficienty by up to 20 kilometres per litre.

Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said at the global launch that the compact would be sold in more than 160 countries, with Thailand one of four main manufacturing and export hubs along with China, India and Mexico.