The fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s., France ‘Renault India Pvt. Ltd.’ officially declared that the price of the Pulse would be increased by 2% across India. In the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012, the Pulse was launched by the car maker with a price tag of Rs. 5.77 lacs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The reason behind the price rice is the growing input cost.
In the Indian automobile market, the company has other cars like premium SUV Koleosa and luxurious sedan Fluence, which are running successfully. Launching the Fluence in May 2011, the company made its official entry in India. The company further introduced the Koleos in September 2011 to strengthen its portfolio in India. With the launch of Pulse, the company increased its customer base in the country. This car received good response from the media as well.
Commenting on the price increase, Marc NASSIF, Managing Director, Renault India Pvt. Ltd said, “the Pulse has been received very well by our customers and we have received a large number of enquiries from potential customers. The Pulse represents the aspirations and needs of present day customers and comes loaded with features which provide an extremely good value for money proposition. In the face of rising input cost we have now no option but to pass on a part of the cost to our customers although the Pulse still remains as one of the most competitive in its segment on all features including the price”.
Renault’s philosophy of developing affordable cars with attractive design and innovative technology has been reflected in the new Pulse. It is loaded with K9K engine which is reckoned for its performance and low fuel consumption. The Pulse delivers mileage of 23.02 kmpl as per the test report of ARAI. In the Oragadam factory of Renault Nissan Alliance, the Pulse is manufactured. The 1.5 litre, dCi (diesel) engine of Pulse delivers output of 62 bhp which helps it attain high acceleration. Renault has provided the car in two trims namely RxL and RxZ.
Dual airbag option, unlock sensing folding outside rear view mirrors, front fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, smart access key, and automatic climate control are provided in the car. Apart from these, the car also has rear defogger with timer, roof spoiler, gear knob, and illuminated start/stop button. From March 8, 2012, the price increase will be effective across all Renault dealerships. The company has 41 dealers at present across India through which it sells its cars.
Renault India Private Ltd., which was established in 2005, is a subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, France. In order to manufacture the premium sedan Logan, the company entered into collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra. However, the company decided to handle its entire operation single handedly in April 2010. It finally introduced its first product in May 2011. The company at present sells three models in the Indian market namely the compact Pulse, the powerful SUV Koleos and premium sedan Fluence. The company’s Oragadam plant, which is located on the outskirts of Chennai, has annual production capacity of 200,000 units. Regarding the dealership, Renault India aims to expand it from 41 to 100 by the end of 2012. The company will have five cars in its portfolio by the year end.
Renault group was established in 1898 and since then it has produced many vehicles. At present the group has set up its foothold in 18 countries in five continents where it manufactures cars and light commercial vehicles. It has also earned appreciation globally in many countries as the first to introduce hatchback and first to produce turbocharged car on a large scale. This €40 billion (US$55 billion) Renault Group has commercial presence in 118 countries. Renault, Dacia and Samsung are the three brands under which the group sells its vehicles. It is engaged in designing, developing and selling vehicles, which are environment friendly.
Renault and Nissan alliance was set up in 1999 and at present it holds pride to be the fourth largest automotive global group. In terms of technology, quality and profitability, the alliance aims to rank itself among the top three automotive groups of the world. A range of Zero Emission, full-Electric cars has been unveiled recently by Renault. In Israel and Denmark, these cars would be introduced first. However, later these vehicles will make their way to other European nations.
The high-growth markets such as Russia, India, Brazil, and China will contribute towards the international growth of Renault. Due to the strategic partnerships of the company in many countries, it is able to meet the clients’ demands.
In terms safety, Renault is the leading brand of Europe. The company holds distinction as the sole automobile manufacturer to have nine cars under its belt with the maximum five-star Euro NCAAP rating. In 2005, 2006 and 2011, Renault won the Formula 1 World Championship for Constructors and Drivers. At present, the group provides employment to more than 122,000 people across the globe.
