Nissan has started exporting the new Tekton SUV from India, with the first batch of more than 1300 units dispatched to South Africa, Bhutan, and Nepal on September 1, 2026. These markets form the first phase of the SUV’s planned international expansion, with Nissan expected to add more export destinations as production increases.
The Tekton is being manufactured in India and is part of Nissan’s broader strategy to use the country as both a domestic market and an export base. Nissan says the SUV will progressively be introduced in other international markets, although it has not specified the next destinations or timelines.
Nissan’s domestic volumes rose sharply in August, with the company recording 3426 units in domestic wholesale dispatches, representing a 147 percent year-on-year increase compared with the same month last year.
The company attributed the rise to demand for its existing SUV range, along with the introduction of the Tekton. However, the improvement in domestic volumes was accompanied by a decline in exports, with Nissan shipping 5924 units to international markets in August, down 23.7 percent from 7,769 units during the corresponding period last year.
As a result, the company’s overall wholesale dispatches increased only marginally, reaching 9350 units in August compared with 9153 units a year earlier.
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The start of Tekton exports gives Nissan another model with which to build its presence in overseas markets from India. They say the SUV will gradually be introduced across additional regions as production is scaled up.
The Tekton is positioned as an SUV combining Nissan’s design approach with technology, performance, and everyday practicality. Its export programme also comes as Nissan looks to broaden its product portfolio in India and increase the utilisation of its local manufacturing and export operations.
Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, said the initial response to the Tekton has supported the company’s domestic wholesale performance, while exports continue to remain an important part of its India operations.
For now, South Africa, Bhutan, and Nepal are the first confirmed international destinations for the Tekton, with further markets expected to be announced as Nissan expands the model’s overseas rollout. As production increases, it’s likely that Nissan will continue to expand its export footprint, potentially entering new markets and increasing its presence in existing ones.
