The Indian car market is growing in importance, and now Renault has set its sights on success in the area.
It has announced the official market launch of the Renault Fluence as the first stage in a five-product introduction scheduled through to the end of 2012. It will be manufactured at the Chennai plant and will be sold through the first 14 outlets that will make up Renault’s new Indian network. In October, the Koleos will be introduced; followed by three further models, including an SUV, in 2012.
India is seen as vital after enjoying annual growth of around 20 per cent over the last few years – the market is expected to reach three million by the end of 2011 and 3.7million by 2015.
Only cars assembled locally are likely to be successful because of India’s dissuasive import duties. The Chennai plant has a workforce of 3,600 and will have a capacity of 400,000 vehicles per year by 2015.
