Renault planning five new upscale models by 2010
Renault is planning to expand into the upscale market with five new models within the next three years, sources have confirmed. Previous ventures upmarket didn't turn out so well for the French automaker, but it's determined to make another go of it with the hopes of cashing in on the market for pricier vehicles.
The first new model slated for production is a compact crossover previewed by the Kaleos concept (above) unveiled last year in Paris. It's been developed with input from Samsung Motors, Renault's South Korean subsidiary. Samsung is also expected to contribute to the development of a large sedan and a large SUV for Renault as well. Further premium models could be niche vehicles made in limited quantities, and Renault would be smart to start cashing in on its Formula One success with something other than a special-edition Clio or Megane before their racing prowess evaporates.
Management admits that previous upscale models from Renault have been less than successful, humorously referring to the dismal Vel Satis as "the automotive equivalent of wearing a suit without removing the hanger." For a time, Renault had considered acquiring a premium brand for itself, but such ventures didn't pan out, and apparently Infiniti, which came along with the Nissan acquisition, wasn't enough to satiate Ghosn's appetite for the upscale.
[Source: Just-Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado 11:39AM (4/21/2007)
They need to learn from Volkswagen's debacle with the Phaeton.
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Stéphane Dumas 5:03PM (4/21/2007)
good point #1, maybe they should reconsider the idea of acquiring a premium builder. A poster on GMInsidenews forum Saaj mentionned a interesting idea about Renault-Nissan and Chrysler, currently Chrysler isn't a premium image but Ghosn could restaure its former image http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48268
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BOB 4:58PM (4/21/2007)
Of course, no one who understands the French at all would wonder why Renault wants to fill in higher end models -- not use Infinitis, which do not look French, are not made in France, and were not designed for French streets or French lifestyles.
We could also remember that Renault historically made middle and upper end cars, but sold mainly cheaper ones.
The real problem with the Vel Satis, et al:
they were the exact equivalent of the "runway show stopper piece" French couture clothes which are never meant to reach stores -- eyecatching, but ultimately not pretty, and not saleable. The French ego went too far by ordering production on those cars.
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BOB 6:16PM (4/21/2007)
BTW:
#1 AND #3 -- The Phaeton was at least three steps up in price from the Passat, but zero steps up in creating a "prestige" styling image. Not to mention that it competes with Audi, a VW company, so VW fans already had somewhere to go. Its factory
Renault has history upmarket, its arch-competitor, Peugeot/Citroen, has upscale models.
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St?ane Dumas 7:40PM (4/21/2007)
I know Bob, but the troubles is both Renault, Citroen and Peugeot had done various attempts to go to a more upscale success with not a lot of success. In fact, it's difficult to fit the void left by the former French luxury carmakers like Hotchkiss, Delage, Delahaye and Facel-Vega. I spotted 2 French articles about Delahaye and Facel-Vega (you need Alta-vista or Google translator to translate from French to English)
http://www.leblogauto.com/2006/12/breve-rencontre-delahaye-235.html
http://www.leblogauto.com/?p=7880&cp=all
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BOB 5:31AM (4/22/2007)
#5, France is never going to have its Maserati-level cars back. Renault does need to have something to sell its customers when they drow to an Audi level car. Peugeot and Citroen have have had that for decades.
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