Renault, the French car maker, is looking to launch two new cars in India, including the eagerly awaited Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) Duster. According to the company, it is looking to expand its portfolio in the domestic market and would add three new models to its existing line-up, namely Duster, Pulse and a car that has not been revealed yet. This move will be part of manufacturer’s plan to gain strong foothold in the market, which is as important to the company as Russia and Brazil.
In 2011, Koleos and Fluence were the two models that the car maker rolled out in India. More recently, it showcased its Pulse hatchback at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo. Now it is expected that Renault will launch Duster before Diwali in 2012, along with another car though its details have yet not been revealed.
Internationally, Renault was able to sell a total of 27,22,062 models in 2011, recording an increase of 3.6 per cent or 94,697 units. Europe was the biggest market for the company last year, with sales growth of 19.2 per cent. The sales in Europe were responsible for 43 per cent of total sales of the manufacturer. The company believes that the international market will grow by 4 per cent in 2012 against 2011 and aims to continue growing in markets other than Europe.
Jerome Stoll, Executive Vice-President, Sales and Marketing & Light Commercial Vehicles, said, "In 2011, the Renault group beat its own record, selling 2.7 million vehicles, and pursued its global expansion, generating 43 percent of its sales outside Europe. Despite mixed results in Europe, Renault remains the market's No.2 brand and was the LCV (light commercial vehicle) leader for the fourteenth year in a row. Last year also ushered in the era of the affordable electric vehicle, with the launches of Renault Fluence Z.E. and Renault Kangoo Z.E."
