Could 'Datsun' be coming back?

[nissangirl74]

Rumor has it: reports are emerging that the Japanese automaker will employ its old moniker in emerging markets for new, inexpensive models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/niss ... witterfeed

It'd be nice if the badge ended up on something cool but if Nissan is seriously betting on building a $5K car, I'm guessing cool won't be anywhere near it.

[Razi]

It'll probably be a boring tin box with wheels.

[skydragoness]

Wasn't the "Datsun" badge brought to the states so they could save face in case it tanked in our market?
Makes sense they don't want to put "Nissan" on something that's only $5k.

[nissangirl74]

Wasn't the "Datsun" badge brought to the states so they could save face in case it tanked in our market?

Unfortunately, yes. I really dread to see where this is going.

[Otto.]

Hey, who knows... maybe this could turn out really well.

Cheap, light, stripped down, and fuel efficent cars. Great handling too (if they do it right). Kind of like a Miata, only cheaper.

We can only hope for this.

[alms24sebring]

Eh, I really hope not. I can see Camrys, Carollas, and Accord look alikes with a Datsun badge.

Please dont destroy the legacy.

[Rev_D21]

We'll have to see. I think Nissan is grasping at straws.

[nissangirl74]

Please dont destroy the legacy.

and

We'll have to see. I think Nissan is grasping at straws.

They need to ask the people what they want and then build accordingly. It's been a long time since they built something that someone said, "I HAVE to have that!!!"

[Bubba1]

Rumor has it: reports are emerging that the Japanese automaker will employ its old moniker in emerging markets for new, inexpensive models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/niss ... witterfeed

It'd be nice if the badge ended up on something cool but if Nissan is seriously betting on building a $5K car, I'm guessing cool won't be anywhere near it.

I don't see a $5000 new car being introduced in the US in this era, but as the article noted the idea is being considered for "emerging" markets. That ain't us. That could be China, India, or Africa.

But I could picture Nissan at some point trying to emulate Toyota's Scion line of low end vehicles using the already famous Datsun nameplate. There are several small models they make that don't get sold here. Interesting idea.

[Dattebayo]

What a shi*ty idea. I wonder who came up with this new pile of dog sh*t idea?

[Red coupe]

Rumor has it: reports are emerging that the Japanese automaker will employ its old moniker in emerging markets for new, inexpensive models.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/05/niss ... witterfeed

It'd be nice if the badge ended up on something cool but if Nissan is seriously betting on building a $5K car, I'm guessing cool won't be anywhere near it.

I don't see a $5000 new car being introduced in the US in this era, but as the article noted the idea is being considered for "emerging" markets. That ain't us. That could be China, India, or Africa.

But I could picture Nissan at some point trying to emulate Toyota's Scion line of low end vehicles using the already famous Datsun nameplate. There are several small models they make that don't get sold here. Interesting idea.

I really do not think they will bring back datsun over here. While there are plenty of cool ones the name is just so heavily associated with "old rusty Japanese econo car".

[Jesda]

There was talk of this back in 2006 as well. Its an interesting idea, but dead badges rarely live up to their former glory. Today's Maybachs are hideous and MB is about ready to kill the brand.

[alms24sebring]

I dont even think I would wanna buy a new car for only $5000. That just tells me it was made in a Chinese sweat shop.

[breadbox]

Just let me know when they start making the 210 again. Seems Bex wants one too.

[themadscientist]

Wasn't the "Datsun" badge brought to the states so they could save face in case it tanked in our market?
Makes sense they don't want to put "Nissan" on something that's only $5k.

My RS was only $3000