Renault to launch premium hatchback in India in 2012
French car maker Renault expects to launch a "made-for-India" premium hatchback in early 2012 to compete with the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki's small car Swift, a top executive said on Tuesday.
June 21, 2011 / 21:30 IST
French car maker Renault expects to launch a "made-for-India" premium hatchback in early 2012 to compete with the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki's small car Swift, a top executive said on Tuesday.
The car will be showcased in the Delhi Auto Show in January, and is part of the company's goal of launching five models in India by next year, Executive Vice President Philippe Klein, who is visiting New Delhi, told reporters.The car maker launched its first independent model -- the Fluence sedan -- in the world's second-fastest growing auto market last month and said it expects to sell 100,000 vehicles by the end of 2013.Renault and partner Nissan signed an agreement with Bajaj Auto, India's second largest two-wheeler maker, last year to manufacture an ultra low-cost car for India and other emerging markets and had planned to launch it in 2012.Renault executives on Tuesday said they were unable to comment on a potential marketing partnership as they were yet to see the product. The car would rival Tata Motors' Nano, the world's cheapest car.Renault is doubling capacity at its plant in Tamil Nadu to 400,000 by end-2012 and has committed an investment of Rs 45 billion (USD 1 billion) for the plant, which will roll out the five models beginning with Fluence.The company will also launch its sport utility vehicle Duster in India in the second half of 2012, Klein said. ($1 = 45 Indian Rupees) Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
