09 Aug 06 14:52
Mitsubishi eK Wagon
Nissan is to sell a rebranded version of the next-generation Mitsubishi eK Wagon, a tiny 'kei class' mini-MPV designed for the Japanese market.
Kei class cars, with engines under 660cc and limited in exterior dimensions, are hugely popular in Japan, as they qualify for tax breaks and other incentives. The Japanese manufacturers offer a variety of different models of a similar size to cater for all tastes and preferences.
Nissan is already offering a version of the current eK Wagon, which it markets under a separate brand called Otti, and also sells a Mitsubishi-supplied van version, called the Clipper. Annual sales are around 36,000 Ottis and 20,000 Clippers.
This deal is separate from, and supplementary to, its agreement with Suzuki, which supplies a version of its MR-Wagon (the Wagon R+ replacement) known as the Moco.
Nissan has indicated that it is to sell a kei-sized city car in Europe in the near future, as a rival for the Fiat Panda, Citroen C1/C2, Peugeot 107 and so on, but this is more likely to be developed from the MR-Wagon/Moco than the eK Wagon/Otti.
