Renault Logan launched in India

Business Line writes

Mahindra Renault, the 51:49 joint venture company between Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Renault, France, has launched the Mahindra Renault Logan (three-box sedan) in the country. The company has launched two petrol models (1.4-litre and 1.6-litre) and one diesel variant (1.5-litre) priced between Rs 4.28 lakh and Rs 6.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Bookings will commence from April 9, while delivery of the vehicles will begin from May 9, 2007.

The company is also planning to set up a power-train plant within the premises of the upcoming Mahindra Renault Nissan plant in Chennai, said Mr Sylvain Bilaine, Managing Director, Renault India.

Production (of powertrain) is expected to begin mid-2009, with an initial installed production capacity of 300,000 units per year. Currently, the engines are being imported from Romania and Spain.
Introduction of the Logan has been a challenge for the company as it is targeted for the B-segment and entry-level C-segment prospective buyers. Besides pricing, `space' is one of the primary factors that was considered; the company has taken extra measures to highlight the feature in various ways, said Mr Rajesh Jejurikar, CEO, Mahindra Renault. It has identified the vehicle as the first `wide body car' in India having the largest boot space and widest cabin room space in the C segment.

The Logan would be sold in two phases. Phase I includes sales in 10 cities, while Phase II includes adding 15 cities. The vehicles will be distributed by a chain of 120 dealers to be in place by November.

Link Business Line