KARACHI - Ghandhara Nissan Limited (GNL) has announced the recommencement of the local assembly of Nissan Sunny, a vehicle which has a long history in Pakistan and has been on the roads since 1970s. The ceremony was being held at Ghandhara Nissan automobile plant at Port Qasim on Saturday. The present model of Sunny represents the 9th generation as of the "Sunny" as it made a debut in the year 1966. Since its introduction, approximately 16 million units have been sold. "GNL has been proactively involved in CKD assembly of passenger cars in a state-of-the-art plant despite unfavorable circumstances beyond control. We started the assembly project in the mid 90s but the operation stalled in 2002", said Ahmed Kuli Khan, CEO, Ghandhara Nissan Limited. Through everyone's concerted efforts, we are therefore proud to start locally producing one of Nissan's most recognized vehicles in Pakistan, the Nissan Sunny. This popular global vehicle, with its superior engine technology, stylish design and elegant interior, to date has sold more than 1.4m units world wide, said Shinya Hannya, Corporate VP, Nissan Motor Co Ltd Japan. Since all other manufacturers available in Pakistan have discontinued 1600cc engine which was in great demand as this segment had a market size of 14,000 to 16,000 unites per annum. The costumers of 1600cc were totally confused as there was a huge gap of range of segment from 1300cc to 1800cc. The car with 1800cc engine was beyond the reach of the customers in respect of price and the fuel efficiency, and at the same time they were reluctant to switch over to 1300cc as it was below their status. Nissan therefore strategically focused the segment of 1600cc at almost the same price level of 1300cc with all additional luxuries.