Renault launches product offensive in India

Renault is expanding its operations in the burgeoning Indian market which will see five products launched by the end of 2012. In October the Fluence will be launched, followed by the Kaleos and 3 further models including an SUV.  Further to this, a new plant in Chennai is being developed and is viewed as a key component for success due to high import duties.

Renault India Managing Director Marc Nassif explains that the new Chennai production plant will be complemented by a dealer network that will expand to 100 outlets by the end of 2012.
India has been targeted due to its high growth potential. The market is already expected to reach 3 million vehicles by the end of 2011, with around 60% of customers being first time buyers. These new customers are also young and upwardly mobile, around 57% are aged under 35.

Renan Livet, marketing manager for the Asia-Africa region notes: “The Indians love technology, ranging from the internet and latest-generation mobile phones to high-tech products of all kinds. Sure, people want affordable cars, but they also want them to bristle with new technologies. So Renault is entering the Indian market from the top end to establish a strong brand image driven by the technological virtues of its best products”.

Renault is concentrating heavily on high quality service and has been planning accordingly. A two year extended warranty aims to provide tangible proof of quality from day one while after sale service has also been afforded top priority. The first group of Indian Renault technicians have visited the Renault Academy in France giving further credence to the new venture.