No New Nissan Models Until 2018

Between now until 2018, the range of Nissan models offered by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) will remain rather stale, as the company is not expected to launch any new models until 2018.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the next all-new models that will be introduced by ETCM are the Nissan Kicks and the Nissan Serena. Both models are not expected to be introduced here until 2018.

Aimed at the Honda HR-V and Ford EcoSport, the Nissan Kicks is a five-seater 1.6-litre crossover that’s based on the Nissan Almera/March. At the moment, the Kicks is only available in Brazil but Nissan has confirmed that the model will eventually be launched in over 80 countries.

The all-new Nissan Serena will go on sale in Japan later this month, but it will take about two more years before the model will be available in Malaysia. Details have not been announced, but apart from the new exterior and interior design, and a nifty ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving feature, the proven MR20DD 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and CVT-type automatic transmission is expected to continue to power the next generation Serena.

The current model Nissan Serena that’s sold in Malaysia is locally-assembled at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies plant in Serendah.

This would also mean that the Nissan Grand Livina, which was first launched in 2007 and was at one time the best-selling MPV in the country, will become the oldest MPV on the market.