For Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL), the upcoming rollout of the all-new Gravite is less about adding another nameplate and more about reclaiming relevance in a market where it currently holds under 1% market share. To be sold at an introductory price tag of ₹5.65 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, the seven-seater MPV will compete in the entry-level segment — one of the few remaining pockets in India’s passenger vehicle (PV) industry where affordability still drives scale.

While unveiling the model, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, stated that the vehicle has been developed around Indian family usage patterns, with modular seating and practicality as core elements. The company had not responded to emailed queries sent by Fortune India at the time of publication.

A crowded competitive set

Notably, the Maruti Suzuki Eeco continues to dominate the entry MPV category with a utilitarian proposition and strong resale economics. While the Renault Triber has built differentiation through modular seating, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga caters to buyers willing to stretch budgets for additional features.

Industry analysts reckon that the positioning is clear: maximise value perception at the lower end of the seven-seater spectrum. At under ₹6 lakh, the Gravite directly targets cost-conscious households upgrading from entry hatchbacks, as well as small fleet operators seeking capacity without stepping into higher-priced vehicles.

Analysts See Volume Potential

Avik Chattopadhyay, Founder of Expereal, described the Gravite as Nissan’s alternative to the Triber, adding that expanding the portfolio is critical to maintaining brand recall in a crowded market. Similarly, Puneet Gupta, Director at S&P Global Mobility, said the model could “significantly add volumes,” particularly if backed by a stronger focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, while noting that after-sales reach and financing access will influence sustained performance.

Scale Is the real prize

India’s PV market crossed 40 lakh units in FY25. While SUVs account for the bulk of aspirational demand, the entry MPV category continues to clock an estimated 3–4 lakh units annually, largely from Tier-II and Tier-III towns. For a manufacturer with limited market share, even incremental gains in this bracket can improve plant utilisation, dealer throughput, and brand visibility.

Meanwhile, the Gravite will be produced at Nissan’s Chennai facility, which also supports exports. For a company operating at sub-scale levels in India, improving capacity utilisation and dealer momentum remains central.

Whether the Gravite materially alters Nissan Motor India’s standing will depend less on introductory pricing and more on sustained demand, network execution, and competitive positioning in a segment where scale, not novelty, determines success, as per industry observers.