Renault India To Launch 5 New Models by 2013: Fluence Sedan & Koleos SUV in 2011

Renault Logo

Renault India General Manager and Managing Director, Marc Nassif, said the company has a detailed ramp up plan for 2010, which essentially sets the base for the products to be launched between 2011 and 2013.

In a press meet on Wednesday, Renault said they will launch five new models, including a compact car, in India between 2011 and 2013. In the run-up to the planned launch of its first products – luxury sedan Fluence and crossover vehicle Koleos in mid-2011, the company has charted out an aggressive dealership network expansion plan in India, aiming at 70 outlets by 2013.

Renault India To Launch 5 New Models by 2013: Fluence Sedan & Koleos SUV in 2011

Renault Fluence - Driving into India soon

The company said it plans to launch the Fluence and the Koleos in 2011, followed by a full range of cars from its global portfolio. Following the 2011 launch of the two cars, Renault plans to open 70 dealerships across tier-I and II cities and the project will be completed by the end of 2013. “Initially, there will be about 7-8 dealers in metros when the first two products are launched in 2011, but parallel development of dealerships in smaller cities will take place,” an official from Renault said.

Renault Koleos - Another big fat new kid on the block

The company is also getting ready for a marketing and advertising blitz in India in the run up to the launches and agencies have been asked to submit their credentials. Renault recognizes that branding and conveying the right message to the Indian consumers while building their image in the region is paramount. “The agency that we choose will be for a period of three years. We have already started calling agencies and by July we should know who will handle our account,” the official said. During the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, Renault had announced that the Fluence and Koleos would be rolled out from its Rs 5,000 crore Chennai plant, jointly developed with Nissan.

ICB says (Rather, it’s the author’s view): It’s great to see new stuff coming out. For me, I’d love to see the Megane and the Clio come out more than anything else. And as for Renault’s brand building exercise, it’s good to hear they will make their foray into Tier II and III cities more aggressively because the imagery left there will be crucial to brand building, and hence their future in India, especially now that the umbilical cord with Mahindra has been chopped off. Good luck guys! (And if any of you at Renault read this, note the part regarding the Megane and Clio, please)

Picture Courtesy: Albertize