Renault India has ensured to keep the momentum going by mulling upon fresh introductions in India. According to a statement made by a company official, one can expect the launch of three new cars in the Indian auto market by Renault India in 2012. Out of the three cars, one is believed to be a part of the very popular small car segment of the auto industry.
Renault India Vice-President (Marketing & Sales), Len Curran, confirmed the news by saying that the company which is a subsidiary of Renault SAS has chalked out plans to introduce three new cars in India. He also conveyed that Indians can definitely expect a compact car from Renault India that would join the league of small SUVs in the country. Along with the small car, they would also roll-out a mini SUV segment car called 'Duster' tentatively in May 2012 or June 2012 and a mid-sized sedan by the end of 2012. The company aims to climb up the ladder and expects to be positioned among top three car companies in India, after the launch of the vehicles next year.
Curran also communicated regarding the company's penchant towards Kerala. According to him, since its market share and penetration is the highest in Kerala, it becomes very obvious that they launch the Koleos there. Renault India also considers Kerala as an important auto market in India. He further confirmed that among 1000 people in Kerala, approximately 40 people possess cars and feels that the average is quite higher compared to other regions in the country.
At the moment, there are 14 dealership outlets of Renault in India, and the company’s planning to reach a total of 40 by this year end, around 70 dealerships by middle of next year and 100 dealerships by the end of 2012. The Koleos so far has been launched only in India.
N. Krishnamoorthi, President of Dealerships Business, said that Kochi comprises decent number of dealerships and service centres of Renault. Moreover, further plans to expand the network add to the advantage. There are plans to open the dealerships and service centres at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode by the end of 2012. Renault India’s has also mulled upon setting up facilities in Karnataka (Mangalore), Bhopal and Indore (Madhya Pradesh) in the coming 6 months.
French car maker has also launched its premium SUV Koleos in India. The Koleos had already made its debut in the international market in 2008. It is important to note that the car which has launched in India has undergone a face-lift. The Koleos is being sold across five continents.
Curran communicated about the two-litre, 4x4 diesel Koleos saying "The new Koleos made its world debut last week at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We are highly optimistic about the product and we are confident it will cater to the needs of all the customers who are looking for a premium SUV, which combines both style and dynamic abilities."
The Koleos has been priced at around Rs. 22.94 lacs and is manufactured at Renault’s plant in Chennai. The production capacity at this plant is 50,000 units annually.
Thus, Renault has strong and effective measures in store, to tackle any competition that it may face in the future.
