Renault India to launch 1 new model every year - IAB Report
Aims to double market share to 5 percent by end of 2016.
Renault India will launch 1 "all-new" model every year, the company's managing director and CEO, Mr. Sumit Sawhney told Indian Autos Blog during a media roundtable last week. When asked if facelifts or model refreshes were part of the new car strategy, Mr. Sawhney shook his said saying "1 new car", confirming that it would be an all-new model.
Sawhney declined to elaborate on the model plans, and when asked about what was in store for the 2016 Auto Expo and if there was another concept in the works, he said "every auto show is different."
This year, Renault India launched two all-new models, which saw the company enter two segments as a result. In April, the French car brand launched the Lodgy MPV, taking on the likes of the Toyota Innova, Honda Mobilio and Maruti Ertiga, and last month, it entered the entry-level hatchback segment with the Renault Kwid.
While sales of the Lodgy have witnessed a downward spiral since its launch, the Kwid has gotten a good start, with over 25,000 bookings. Next up from the car maker is a facelift for the Duster, its best selling vehicle. Reports say that the Duster facelift is expected to launch this financial year, and that it will debut Renault's Easy-R AMT system. The AMT will also be offered on the Kwid, reportedly next year.
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Prior to the Lodgy's launch, Renault India's market share stood at about 2 percent, despite having presence in India for over three years. By end of 2016, Renault aims to double its share to 5 percent.