Renault Lodgy to get Easy-R AMT system - Report

15/03/2016 - 11:57 Renault Lodgy, Renault Anjan Ravi

Entry-level variants for fleet buyers also under consideration.

According to a report on NDTV, the Renault Lodgy will be the next recipient of the 6-speed Easy-R AMT automated manual transmission, which made its Indian debut on the Duster facelift. The report states that Renault is keen on launching the Lodgy AMT to revive sales (average monthly sales of the Lodgy calculated over the past 6 months is 449 units).

Renault Lodgy World Edition front three quarter at the Auto Expo 2016 — Average monthly sales of the Renault Lodgy is around 449 units.

The ZF-sourced AMT box will be offered on the 110 PS variant of the Lodgy, just like in the Duster facelift. It is likely to be made available in two variants - RxL and RxZ - in the seven-seat configuration.

When launched, the AMT variants of the Lodgy will cost about INR 50,000 more than the regular manual transmission variants. Competition as such is non-existent for the moment, as the only MPV to be available with an automatic transmission is the Maruti Ertiga petrol (a 4-speed torque converter is available on the Ertiga petrol). However, with the launch of the Toyota Innova Crysta, the Japanese manufacturer plans on introducing its 6-speed automatic transmission on the diesel variant.

2016 Renault Duster facelift gearbox Auto Expo 2016 — The 6-speed AMT on the Duster facelift also offers creep functionality and Hill start assist.

Also read: Renault Kwid spied in Brazil ahead of launch

The report also states Renault India's intent on launching entry-level variants of the Lodgy for the fleet/taxi market, and possibly even a petrol variant targeted at buyers with low-usage.

[Source - NDTV]