Launched in Europe in 1972, the Renault 5 (aka the R5) supermini was an innovative vehicle that was sold in countries across the globe. In North America, the R5 was badged as the Le Car and was marketed through American Motor Company's (AMC) 1,300 dealers from 1976 to 1986. Unfortunately, the Le Car never caught on here in the States, but it was nonetheless one of Renault's best-selling vehicles, with production hitting 5.5 million units before its demise in 1996.
Now comes word that Renault is mulling the rebirth of the R5. If approved for production, the R5 would be based on the Clio and compete with the likes of the Fiat 500, Smart Fortwo and the Mini Cooper. A return to the North American market seems unlikely, but it wouldn't be out of the question for Renault to offer "Le New Car" through partner Nissan's dealerships. Sort of like how the Fiat 500 is sold through select Chrysler dealerships. Should the R5 get the green light, it could appear by 2014, hopefully with a real focus on efficiency.
[Source: Autocar | Image: Severin Vogt – C.C. License 2.0]
Now comes word that Renault is mulling the rebirth of the R5. If approved for production, the R5 would be based on the Clio and compete with the likes of the Fiat 500, Smart Fortwo and the Mini Cooper. A return to the North American market seems unlikely, but it wouldn't be out of the question for Renault to offer "Le New Car" through partner Nissan's dealerships. Sort of like how the Fiat 500 is sold through select Chrysler dealerships. Should the R5 get the green light, it could appear by 2014, hopefully with a real focus on efficiency.
[Source: Autocar | Image: Severin Vogt – C.C. License 2.0]
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