Renault Denies Smaller Dacia and Potential Mitsubishi Partnership

RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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says that it has not plans to add a smaller DaciaDaciaRomania, 1966 > present11 models
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to its lineup or form a partnership with Mitsubishi. 

The first report of Renault partnering with MitsubishiMitsubishiJapan, 1917 > present72 models
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came from France's Le Figaro newspaper, which said that the partnership would allow Renault to expand further into Asia.

“Renault has had discussions in the past with Mitsubishi, for limited cooperation, as we have had with other carmakers. These discussions did not lead to any decisions. There is no cooperation between Renault and Mitsubishi,” said Renault in a statement.

According to Mitsubishi, the only agreement it has with Renault is for Mitsubishi Fuso and NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
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to share light-duty trucks in Japan. In the past, Mitsubishi and Nissan have also worked on Japanese mini cars together.

Mitsubishi previously partnered with PSA PeugeotPeugeotFrance, 1882 > present120 models
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-CitroënCitroënFrance, 1919 > present94 models
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to co-develop cars and share electric tech, but it has expired.

Renault also says that it has no intention to create a smaller Dacia below the SanderoDacia Dacia Sandero Gen.2Romania, 2012 > present31 versions
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that would have been aimed at Europe.

"We need to be communicating the brand rather than fragmenting our marketing dollars on too many models. Dacia's brand awareness is still quite low," said Renault Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares.

He said that he wants to focus on marketing the Dacia brand as it is.

Dacia continues to outpace the European car market. In the first quarter, its sales were up 18% while the European auto market fell 7%.

Source: Car Scoop (1,2)