Renault, the French auto manufacturer is all set to work upon its second stage of planning market strategy for India. Of late, the car maker, by launching its much awaited Fluence and Koleos SUV, brought the first stage of planned strategy to its slog period. In order to take the next step, the company has decided to bring in new cars in the smaller segment on the V-platform, which is also a part of vehicles like Nissan Micra and Nissan Sunny. The next in-line products of Renault are expected to roll out in the Indian markets in the initial months of 2012.
The two cars from Renault are believed to confront the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20, in what can be termed as a battle to survive. The popular French car brand is also planning to introduce an entry-level SUV called Duster, slated for launch during the early phases of 2012. Duster is expected to face competition from the likes of Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Safari.
Towards the slog months of 2012, there is a strong buzz that Renault would bring in another sedan to the Indian car market. As a matter of fact, this car will emerge as the fifth product planned for the future. The future sedan is likely to be placed between the Volkswagen Vento and the Swift Dzire. Therefore, Renault has a lot to share, with approximately 12 products in store, ready for revelation by 2014.
Len Curran, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Renault India provided with an idea regarding its future plans. He said that the company would be eyeing to attain a target of one lac units within the time period of two years. The two proposed vehicles will be welcomed by India first. “Our target is to reach one lac units by 2013. The two new vehicles will have above 60 per cent localisation and India will be the first market for this small car,” Curran was quoted as saying.
The strategy that has been incorporated for the first two models of Renault, produced from imported kits at its Chennai alliance plant with Nissan, was to give rise to a premium and ambitious brand.
The overall entry plan of the company was aimed, especially, to compensate for the brunt it bore, owing to the negative publicity received because of its first production, Logan.
“We chose to launch only the top-end Koleos, the Bose edition (sound system), in India. This will help us build our brand, which will be important as we launch mass-segment products. Customers should perceive Renault much more different form Logan,” Curran said.
