First Datsun Will Be Based on Lada Kalina Platform

In a surprising move, the first of Nissan'sNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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new DatsunStoewerGermany, 1896 > 19451 model
entry-level auto brand will be based on the Lada KalinaVAZ Lada KalinaRussian Federation, 0 > present10 versions
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, instead of a slightly more modern DaciaDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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. The advantage of using the Lada platform is that RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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-Nissan just bought a controlling stake in Lada and its factories. Production of the new cars can begin much more quickly because the factories are already configured to build the cars. 

"Datsuns will be built off the new Lada Kalina platform," said Renault-Nissan Alliance Vice President Colin Dodge. 

The un-named Datsun model will share the platform, braking, fuel and steering systems from the Kalina. It will get its own body, though. 

"The upper body and interior will be completely different, you won't notice it as a Lada," said Dodge.

Nissan will start selling Datsun-branded cars in Russia, India and Indonesia in 2014 with plans to slowly expand the brand from there. In the brand's initial announcement, Nissan said that it has not plans to sell the cars in Western Europe or North America.

Two Datsuns will go on sale in 2014, and a third will arrive in 2015. Datsun will display the cars sometime in 2013, likely at the Moscow Motor Show in June. Prices will start at the equivalent of €2,300 ($3,000).

Source: Automotive News Europe