- Nissan targets countrywide taxi industry footprint
- Product information-sharing sessions in nine provinces
- Ride and drive opportunities at local provincial meetings
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Nissan is embarking on a national roadshow to showcase its recently-launched NV350 Impendulo taxi, which marked the company's formal return to the taxi industry in South Africa.
The roadshow is aimed predominantly at taxi operators, commuters, industry members and owners, for whom the minibus is ideally suited. Each three-day event comprises a formal product presentation in provincial hubs followed by promotional activities at key taxi ranks in the vicinity of each hub.
The first leg of the roadshow kicked off at The Hedgehog's Nest Country Venue in Rustenburg, with taxi rank promotions to that took place in Klerksdorp and Mafikeng this week respectively.
Tessa Cooke, NV350 Product Manager at Nissan South Africa, said Nissan had engaged with the taxi industry during the reintroduction process and the roadshow was a further step in strengthening these ties.
"Now that we have officially launched Impendulo, which is on sale at our countrywide dealerships, we would like to create greater awareness about the product and its unique selling points," Cooke adds.
Engineered and manufactured in Japan, the new 16-seat model boasts world-class design and performance features, with a strong focus on safety and fuel efficiency. It also meets stringent South African taxi industry regulations, complying fully with Taxi Recapitalisation Programme legislation.
Says Nissan South Africa's Chief Marketing Manager Freddie Louw: "To ensure confidence in the product and the success of Nissan's re-entry strategy, the involvement of the taxi industry was of vital importance to us from the outset. As we continue the rollout of Impendulo, the roadshow will afford us the opportunity to reach as many taxi operators and owners as possible."
Following this week's events, the roadshow is scheduled to visit the provincial hubs – and surrounding areas - of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Free State between April and June 2014.
Illustrating the strength of its partnership with the taxi industry, Nissan's naming competition prior to the vehicle's launch resulted in one taxi owner receiving R50, 000 towards the purchase of a new Nissan taxi. Impendulo – isiZulu for "the answer" - was chosen for its resonance in providing a safe and comfortable transport alternative for South Africa's approximately 15 million taxi commuters daily.
Last week Nissan South Africa sponsored a brand new Impendulo taxi for one lucky participant during SANTACO's (South African National Taxi Council) 4thNational Elective Conference. Speaking at the event, Nissan South Africa's Director for Corporate Affairs, Wonga Mesatywa, expressed confidence that Impendulo will fare well in the market.
"As more and more taxi owners and drivers experience Impendulo's appeal, we feel sure that we will establish a strong foothold in the taxi industry again," said Mesatywa. "Aware of road safety challenges, we will also make it our duty to encourage regular maintenance and servicing, which we will offer through a widely accessible and affordable service infrastructure and network."
Available at Nissan dealerships around the country, the NV350 Impendulo retails for R306, 900.
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