Latest Car News in India

Renault to launch under Rs 3 lakh car, low cost car project still underway

Have you ever wondered what is on the cards of Renault after the launch of the most happening cars in India? It is the launch of an under Rs 3 lakh car. It is believed that the same car unit head who brought the Mahindra Logan has been engaged by Renault to bring about a Maruti-and-Hyundai-rival entry level car. Gérard Detourbet, head of the Entry Program, has also been appointed to oversee the design, plan, and production of the entry level A segment car by Renault. This car will be taking on Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon primarily and it could be possible that it might include Maruti Alto 800 in its rival’s list. In all probability, the car will be priced around $5,500 and the design will also be utilized by Nissan to launch its entry level car.  

It is believed that the shift in focus towards volume segment is the new strategy that the French car maker has adopted as it has seen the immense success of Renault Duster which is really becoming unstoppable in terms of sales. The strategy to target the top slot as miserable failed and its offerings such as Renault Koleos, Renault Fluence have few takers. But recently these cars have also started getting response as the market moves to the luxury segment. The small car on the other hand will help the French car giant settle at a faster pace than is put forth by Duster, Renault Pulse, which is the entry level car (price Rs 4.31 lakh) or some other Renault car.

It is believed that the car will be produced in India and Gérard Detourbet after his appointment a year ago has already started building his team. The car will be produced at the Chennai plant and the same car will be launched by Nissan as well in a different styling. Thus the Renault-Nissan small car project seems to have been going on under cover. Nissan will also be launching Datsun low cost cars in India.