Renault hopes to revive dwindling sales in India by launching three new models in 2019. According to a report from Financial Express, the company will introduce the all-new Duster, facelifted Kwid and a sub-4 metre MPV (codename: RBC) next year.
Renault proudly calls itself the number-one European car brand in India, but its sales have taken a severe hit during the recent past. In 2017, its sales fell by 14.9% to 1,12,492 units, which it said was because of the pending ramp-up of Captur. The Captur has received a lukewarm response in our market, rarely selling over 500 units a month. In H1 2018, the company recorded a 25.4% downturn in sales. The three new models arriving next year should help it regain strength in our market.
The report suggests that Renault will announce the RBC MPV’s name in January 2019, with a launch following soon after. This model will go against the Datsun GO+, the triple-digit monthly sales figures of which indicate that any new launch in the segment is a risky bet. However, at least the all-new Duster and new Kwid following later should register solid sales. The former will arrive first, maybe during the middle of the year.
The second-gen Renault Duster will entice small SUV buyers with a more sophisticated design, improved comfort and convenience and enhanced safety, all while retaining the traditional SUV traits of the original model, which was an instant hit in India before it succumbed to competition from the Hyundai Creta and others later.
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The Renault Kwid will likely receive a facelift during the festive season next year, about four years after its launch. No details about the mid-cycle refresh are available yet.
[Source: financialexpress.com]
