Renault and Caterham Deepen Joint Venture with SUV, Subcompact and F1 Engines

CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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and RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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are expanding their joint venture that will create a new Alpine sports car in 2014. Caterham owner Tony Fernandes says that it and Renault have agreed to develop new SUV and subcompact as Caterham and Renault AlpineAlpineFrance, 1955 > 199414 models
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models by 2016. It also guarantees Renault engines for the Caterham Formula 1 team.

"Sports cars will do well but the city car and SUV are what the [Asian] market really wants. If we get the SUV right it will be huge,” said Fernandes.

The SUV will reportedly by a high-style compact crossover that hopes to join on the success of the Land Rover EvoqueLand Rover Range Rover EvoqueUnited Kingdom, 2011 > present128 versions
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. The plan for the subcompact is for Renault models to be shipped in semi-knocked down kits to Asia to be assembled at Caterhams.

"This is a project for the Caterham brand based on a Renault platform and destined for Asian markets. There is currently no plan to extend it to Alpine,” said a Renault spokesperson about the subcompact deal.

The joint venture also guarantees Renault engines for Caterham’s Formula 1 cars for the near future.

"We needed to ensure the F1 engine deal was aligned. The new models will have Renault engines so it's important to have a Renault engine in the F1 car,” said Fernandes.

Fernandes bought Caterham in 2011 and created a joint venture with Renault in November 2012 that will revive the Alpine brand. Renault and Fernandes split 50-50 ownership of the new company called Alpine Caterham. 

Source: Automotive News Europe