In the passenger car market, the sub-Rs. 4-lakh segment accounts for 40 percent of the total passenger car sales in our country and Renault is eyeing this particular segment with a very keen eye. The company’s current line up, which starts above Rs 4 lakh with Pulse hatchback does not have any product to tap into the vast potential of the sub 4-lakh priced segment.
That might change very soon. Renault’s Asia Pacific Region Head, Gilles Normand has reiterated their interest in this very segment along with the fast growing MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) segment as reported by Economic Times. Renault, the makers of Duster, is planning a Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) which has been touted to be the Lodgy.
Codenamed as J92, Lodgy MPV is expected to hit our shores towards the first quarter of 2015 and is expected to be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo.
This would give Renault the presence it requires to tap the urban and sub-urban markets where this kind of a product has a demand.
The rationale behind Renault’s sub Rs. 4-lakh product strategy and MPV is two pronged – one the size of the market and relatively lesser number of players, and two, the stiff competition its best seller, Duster is facing in the UV space.
The enthusiasm with which the Duster was received by the customers is waning fast and Renault is aware of the fact. They also have plans to launch newer variants or the Duster facelift in India in the coming months. The next step is to offer an MPV which could double up and serve as a people carrier and fulfil other utilitarian needs of our vast urban and sub-urban economy.
Renault has also been caught testing their Modus small car in India market but we are unsure if it is the car that Renault is testing for India.
Also Read: Renault Duster Detour Concept Unveiled; Picture Gallery Inside
– by Sufi
