Entry-Level Vehicles May Be Renault's Savior

In an interview with Automotive News, Arnaud Deboeuf, Renault'sRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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head of global entry-level vehicles, revealed that the company's success may be tied to its less expensive vehicles. 

While Renault sales are down globally, its entry-level vehicle sales are actually up 16%. Sales are up 28% in South America, 28% in Eastern Europe and 34% in Asia. It is on track to sell 1 million entry-level cars this year worldwide, compared to 813,000 last year, and that figure does not count Nissan's entry-level cars or the LadasVAZRussian Federation, 1966 > present8 models
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being built in Russia. 

"We are entering a new era with the renewal of our entry range. With the launch last spring of the LodgyDacia LodgyRomania, 2012 > present21 versions
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and DokkerDacia DokkerRomania, 2012 > present9 versions
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, we entered two new segments," said Deboeuf.

Renault is building new factories in emerging markets to keep prices down. Its Brazilian factory recently increased production from 47 cars an hour to 60 cars an hour. It is also building Renault-branded DaciasDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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in India and investigating possible locations in Southeast Asia. 

The other key is making sure its entry-level vehicles are adaptable. The DusterDacia DusterRomania, 2010 > present71 versions
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in Brazil has better interior materials and a market-specific dashboard. The Duster in India gets a larger rear seat and extra air conditioning unit for the rear. 

Deboeuf has been the head of entry-level vehicles for Renault since January 2012 but was deputy director of the program for five years. He had a strong role in developing the Dacia brand in that time. 

Source: Automotive News Europe