The much awaited ULC (ultra low-cost car) from the Bajaj-Nissan-Renault alliance appears to have run into troubled waters as the differences between Indian and French partner are on a rise. It has been about three years since these companies are in talks for developing this ULC car, but the talks still do not seem to have reached to fruition.
The ULC car was scheduled to be launched in the Indian market in the first quarter of year 2012. As per the joint venture, while Bajaj will be developing the car on its three-wheeler platform, Nissan-Renault will be taking care of marketing and sales of the car.
Speaking to reporters at the occasion of the launch of Renault Fluence recently, Renault India MD Marc Nassif said, "If it matches our DNA, we will go for it. If it does not, we will find other solutions." He added that as such, there is no joint venture and if the quality of development matches with the promise, Renault will go for it.
The ULC car would be rolled-out in the price segment of sub Rs 2 lakh where its major rival will be country’s much popular small car – Tata Nano. Besides claimed to be delivering a considerably high mileage of up to 30 kmpl, the ULC car will be carrying a very low carbon emission footprint.
