Renault: not high end by the end of 2014
It will still wait to see Renault to build a new high-end model. The next generation of the Laguna and Espace, which is currently working on the group, "come out from the end of 2014," said Jerome Stoll, the commercial director. Replacement of the Vel Satis, ie the launch of a large luxury sedan, however, is not expected at this time, unlike what was envisaged in the fall in 2 to 3 years.
Frozen during the crisis, the renewal of Renault's high-end drags on. Originally planned for 2010-2011, the output of the successor of the space has continued to be shifted. Last September, the group was a sale of this vehicle in 2013-2014.
Yet it is urgent. The manufacturer has stopped production of its Vel Satis end of 2009. Last year it sold just 53,700 17,000 Laguna 3 and 4 space, two models from 2007 to 2002."As a carmaker, it is vital for Renault to be present on the high end" in order to have an offer modern hotel located above the Scenic MPV, Jerome Stoll said. Another issue this type of product takes the image of the entire line up.
PSA on the offensive
The subject was presented recently to the agenda by the government, major shareholder of the manufacturer, who insists that Renault acquires a high-end product in France high quality business cards. The next Laguna and Espace, however, could also be manufactured abroad, to markets outside Europe, according to an internal source.
The weakness of Renault on the high end is more apparent than his rival PSA increases the offensive in this niche. Citroën has introduced the DS4, the second model in its distinctive range DS. And Peugeot marketed earlier this year its 508.Originality of the approach, the 508 and the future DS5 will be manufactured and sold in both Europe and China, to amortize development costs.
If he wants to go upmarket, Renault will be faced with the difficulty of having to do the splits. For the same time, the group intends to accelerate the development of its low-cost Dacia brand, to bring it to 2% market share in Europe in 2013. Counting models of this type sold under the Renault brand internationally, this range could be up to 30% of sales of the manufacturer in this horizon.
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