Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn has a much
more manageable problem than either Rick Wagoner or Bill Ford. Saying, “Renault is not in crisis but remains
fragile,” Ghosn explained his “Renault Commitment 2009” strategy to revive the French automaker is
growth, plain and simple.
Between 2007 and 2009, Renault will introduce no fewer than 26 new models, as it
freshens its existing model range and expands into new market segments, including SUVs and luxury models. There are no
plans to cut jobs or close plants to cut costs. In Ghosn’s words, “Renault does not need restructuring at the
moment. What Renault needs is growth, new products and a good brand image.”
An early litmus test of
Ghosn’s strategy will be its new Laguna, a luxury model scheduled for a 2007 rollout and positioned to compete with the
BMW 3-series, the Mercedes C-class, the Audi A4 and the Honda Accord.
Ghosn’s target is unit sales of 3.3
million by 2009, 800,000 units more than were sold last year.
Other highlights:
- Renault
will remain in Formula 1, but would review its return on that investment annually - There is no plan to
re-enter the U.S. market - Renault will not merge with Nissan