French carmaker Renault is looking to drive in a compact SUV and a premium small car in India, placed above Kwid. It plans to boost volumes led by highly-localised models. Renault ended 2016 with a market share of around 4.5 per cent on sale of 1.1 lakh cars and operates with three key products – Duster SUV, Kwid mini and Lodgy MPV. Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and MD of Renault India, said the company is in a “portfolio development mode” at a time when it expands retail presence across the country. High local content will be a major focus area for all new products as Renault wants to ensure that car prices are attractive and operating costs are competitive, Sawhney said.
He said the company “may look at a crossover” (SUV), which can hit the market during the second half of this year. It is believed that this vehicle will be the Kaptur SUV that has been displayed internationally. The new vehicle can be placed along with Duster, as Renault wants to have a greater say in the fast-growing off-roader category.
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