Sub-4 metre sedans are a big hit in India, and Renault India was planning to launch one of its own a few years ago but cancelled the project later. A new report from Autocar India suggests that this model is being reconsidered.
Previous reports referred to the Renault sub-4 metre sedan based on the CMF-A platform by the codename 'LBC', while the new report calls it 'LBA'. “Today we have a Total Industry Volume (TIV) penetration of just 24% with the Duster, Kwid and Captur and my target is to go to 50%+,” Venkatram Mamillapalle, MD, Renault India, told Autocar India. He said that the low-cost entry-level sedan "could be back on the table." The new management is planning on filling up the gap present in the current line-up with an aim to "double volumes to by 2022 to 2 lakh units."
The Renault sub-4 metre sedan will sit on an extended version of CMF-A platform and come with similar powertrain options as the HBC sub-compact SUV. It might turn out to be the most affordable sedan car in the market, something that could flip the cards in favour of Renault in India. This car will go against the likes of other cars of the segment such as the Hyundai Xcent.
The Renault HBC will has been confirmed to be launched in 2020. It will use a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Renault sees small diesel engines ageing soon due to stricter emission norms, and so, it doesn't plan to develop one.
Also Read: Renault India cancels second-gen Duster, to launch third-gen model directly!
Renault India plans to increase its market share to 5% by the end of its latest mid-term plan in 2022. Its line-up is in a desperate need of expansion and timely renewal now for achieving that target.
[Source: autocarindia.com]
