Production capacity and dealership network will be expanded.
Speaking to IANS, Mr. Sumit Sawhney, CEO and Managing Director of Renault's Indian operations, announced that company will launch two new products in volume oriented MPV and small car segments. While this information is nothing new, he said the A-entry hatchback would be "an exciting package with unique design cues".
The Renault Lodgy MPV which is undergoing testing is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2015 while the Renault XBA (codename) would come in the second half of the year.
Sawhney said that Renault will ride on the XBA to increase the brand's business in Tier-11 to Tier-IV markets. While talking to IndianAutosBlog.com earlier this year, the company referred to it as the 'sub-4' car referring to its under 4-lakh starting price. Note that Renault have not confirmed its codename.
The 7-seat Lodgy is a rebadged Dacia which will feature an India-specific chrome grille with a prominent Renault lozenge. It is based on the underpinnings of the popular Duster. The people carrier will also borrow its powertrain options from its SUV sibling.
The XBA small car is related to the Datsun redi-Go (which is also preparing for a 2015 launch) and will slot below the Pulse to become the most affordable Renault in the country. The hatchback would derive power from a newly developed petrol motor displacing 800 cc and would come with an optional AMT.
Also read: Renault Value Up global supermini concept under development
Renault is targeting a market share of 5% in the next three years and is planning to achieve this target by introducing new products, expanding its dealership network and boosting the production capacity at its Oragadam plant.
Renault XBA Competitors: Maruti Alto, Hyundai Eon, Chevrolet Spark, Datsun redi-Go
Renault XBA Expected Price: INR 3-4 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Renault XBA Launch date: H2, 2015 in India
Renault LodgyCompetitors: Maruti Ertiga, Honda Mobilio, Chevrolet Enjoy, Mahindra Xylo
Renault Lodgy Expected Price: INR 7-10 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi
Renault Lodgy Launch date: Early 2015
