Is An NP200 Replacement Already In The Works in SA?
After an impressive 16-year run, the Rosslyn-built Nissan NP200 has finally ceased production, leaving a significant void in the South African automotive industry. As it stands, there are officially no more unibody half-tonners available for purchase in SA, following the end of production for this iconic model. This has raised questions about what will fill the gap left by the venerated open-bed model.
Unconfirmed sources suggest that the Rosslyn facility might take over the production of a new bakkie from a competitor in the local market.
While the initial replacement plan for NP200 fell through due to the geopolitical situation in Russia, Nissan is now actively exploring alternatives as part of its Africa midterm plan. As a recap, Nissan and its alliance partners, Mitsubishi and Renault, had a replacement in the works. This replacement was widely expected to be a rebadged Renault Oroch. However, this plan has been put on hold, as the bakkie was meant to be built in Russia, which is no longer feasible due to the prevailing geopolitical situation.
Nissan Focused On Bringing In A Successor To The Half-ton Pickup
Word on the street is that Nissan has reached an agreement with Mahindra to start producing one of their models at the Rosslyn plant, taking over after the final NP200s are completed. The Mahindra bakkies will reportedly be completely knocked down (CKD) and assembled locally, in addition to their Durban-based assembly plant.
With the older NP300 one-tonne range discontinued, the new-generation Nissan Navara one-tonner will be the sole model produced at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant. Nissan has made it clear that bringing a second model into production is a top priority and an ultimate goal.
The NP200 became a favourite among tradespeople, especially plumbers and electricians, due to its compact size and fuel efficiency. Whether this new model will fill the niche for an entry-level unibody single cab bakkie remains to be seen.
The Place For Reliable, Economical Workhorses
In the meantime, customers will most likely shift their attention to the “next best thing” in the Nissan staple – the Nissan Navara. Although the Navara single cab comes at a higher price point than the NP200, it offers a noticeable upgrade in terms of power, performance, capability and modern amenities. The Navara has also received a positive reception among bakkie enthusiasts, prompting Nissan to commit to a massive expansion of the Navara lineup across Africa.
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