Renault to Phase Out Dacia Variants in Russia

Renault Group aims to replace the rebranded Dacia cars it currently sells in Russia with its own models.

The company currently markets rebadged Dacia sedans under the Logan nameplate and Sandero hatchbacks as Renaults in Russia. “I want that to stop,” Renault design leader Laurens van den Acker declares to Automotive News Europe.

Van den Acker says the move is being driven by the improving quality and sophistication of Russia’s Lada brand, which is controlled by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance’s OAO AvtoVAZ unit.

Last month Renault used the Moscow auto show to present the first such replacement model: the coupelike Arkana small crossover vehicle (pictured). ANE says Renault aims to introduce the Arkana in Russia in the first half of 2019. The crossover also will be sold in China, South Korea and Latin America.

The Arkana will share the same platform that carries the Russian-market Kaptur small crossover and Dacia/Renault Duster, according to ANE. Van den Aker says Renault will replace the rebadged Logan and Sandero models with Renault-brand vehicles when Dacia redesigns the European versions of those products.

Renault will continue selling the strong-selling Duster in Russia and elsewhere, according to Van den Acker.