Nissan Bumps Micra, Pulsar From Oz Product Range

Nissan Australia pulls the supermini Micra from its lineup, saying there is no longer an adequate business case for offering it.

As well as dropping the Micra, known in Latin America and most of Asia as the March, Nissan also revamps its Pulsar model range, concentrating on sedan models and removing the hatch grades.

The Japanese automaker says the changes are the result of a regular review of its car lineup.

Additionally, the Patrol wagon and Patrol cab chassis have entered a run-out phase and are being succeeded by the Patrol V8 launched in the Australian market in February 2013.

The affected models remain on sale in Nissan dealerships across Australia, with the remaining stock expected to sell out later this year.

All three decisions involve only the Australian market and do not affect any other Nissan markets globally.

“These decisions are in line with our commitment to running a robust business in Australia, led by strong products including Qashqai, X-Trail and Navara,” Nissan Australia Managing Director and CEO Richard Emery says in a statement.

“Complete after-sales service and technical support for the affected models will continue to be available from our Australian authorized dealer network.”

Nissan sales inched up 1.7% to 17,363 units in the first quarter in an Australian market that rose 2.8% to 285,328 units.

The Micra is going out with a pop if not a bang. Sales in March soared 213.7% year-on-year to 229 units, giving a first-quarter total up 127.4% at 398.

Pulsar deliveries fell 36.8% to 471 units in March for a 3-month total down 22.2% at 890.