Renault to Launch 5 Models by 2013, Revs Up Dealership Network

French auto maker Renault on Wednesday said it will launch five new models, including a compact car, in India between 2011 and 2013.

In the run-up to the planned launch of its first products -- luxury sedan Fluence and crossover vehicle Koleos -- in mid-2011, the company has charted out an aggressive dealership network expansion plan in India, aiming at 70 outlets by 2013.

It is also gearing up for a media and advertising campaign, for which it has called for multi-agency pitch.

"A three-year roadmap between 2011 and 2013 has been charted out with five products, including a small hatchback, identified to be launched in India," a senior official of Renault India told media.

The company said it plans to launch the Fluence and the Koleos in 2011, followed by a full range of cars from its global portfolio.

Following the 2011 launch of the two cars, Renault plans to open 70 dealerships across tier-I and II cities and the project will be completed by the end of 2013.

"Initially, there will be about 7-8 dealers in metros when the first two products are launched in 2011, but parallel development of dealerships in smaller cities will take place," the official said.

The company is also getting ready for a marketing and advertising blitz in India in the run up to the launches and agencies have been asked to submit their credentials.

"The agency that we choose will be for a period of three years. We have already started calling agencies and by July we should know who will handle our account," the official said.

Renault India Country General Manager and Managing Director Marc Nassif said the company has a detailed ramp up plan for 2010, which essentially sets the base for the products to be launched between 2011 and 2013.

"Branding becomes one of the key pillars to this challenge," Nassif added.

During the Delhi Auto Expo earlier this year, Renault had announced that the Fluence and Koleos would be rolled out from its Rs 5,000 crore Chennai plant, jointly developed with Nissan.

PTI