Renault Aims for 50% Sales Growth in India

Renault SA, which sold roughly 100,000 vehicles in India last, hopes a bevy of new SUV/crossover models will help it push sales above 150,000 units in the country by about 2020.

The increase would elevate Renault to fifth place from seventh in the Indian market. Sumit Sawhney, CEO of the company’s Indian operations, tells reporters the growth will be driven in part by the just-introduced Captur crossover vehicle.

Priced at $15,400, the locally produced Captur is being launched with a choice of 1.5-liter gasoline and diesel engines and 5- or 6-speed transmissions. India’s overall SUV segment grew 46% to 520,000 units last year.

Renault plans a major shift to SUVs in the market. Earlier this year is suspended sales of its Fluence, Pulse and Scala cars because of poor sales, Joining the Captur in the revised lineup is the popular Kwid mini crossover, Duster small SUV and Lodgy MPV.

Renault also has expanded its dealer group in India to 260 outlets from only 35 in 2011. The company expects to have 300 dealers by the end of 2017.