Renault to Phase Out Most Rebadged Dacia Models

Renault SA intends to stop selling Dacia cars under its own name and enable the Romanian brand to establish its own distinctive produce lineup.

Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker tells Autocar the long-term design aim is to make Renault models more “Latin and sensual,” while Dacia cars will be “Germanic and robust.”

Renault began year ago to market several of its low-priced Dacia models—notably the Duster small crossover, Logan wagon and Sandero small sedan—under its own name in markets where Renault-brand models were considered relatively pricey. Dacia enjoys a reputation for modern design, reliability and affordability.

Van den Acker says the strategy helped Renault build a presence in Russia and other new markets. But now that sales volumes have grown, he says, “We will start to differentiate.”