Renault Fluence is available in both diesel and petrol versions. Ex showroom Delhi, the diesel version of Fluence costs Rs.14.4 lakh and the petrol version costs Rs.12.99 lakh.
As many as130,000 units of the Fluence were sold across the world in 2010.
The petrol version of Renault Fluence is fitted with a 2000cc, 135 bhp engine whereas the diesel version is fitted with a 1500cc, 112 bhp engine. Fluence is being assembled at the Company’s manufacturing facility at Chennai.
Marc Nassif, Managing Director, Renault India, said: “The ‘Fluence’ was designed for the Asian market and hence we are confident that it will not only shake up the segment, but also give the Indian customer their first taste of what Renault is capable of bringing to the Indian market.”
Mr.Nasiff added: “India is one of the three key strategic countries in Renault’s international operations. Our aim is to sell 1-lakh cars by 2013. We aim to become one of the top three international automakers in India.”
Renault has plans to introduce ‘Koleos‘, a sports utility vehicle, later this year, and beef up their Indian presence with three more cars in 2012.
Sudhir Rao, Deputy Managing Director, Renault India, said: “Against our plan to start with eight dealer outlets, we have 14 fully operational dealers…and by end of 2011, we will be ramping up to 40 dealers pan-India. We will have the full range of 5 cars and 100 dealerships by December 2012.”
He further said: “In 2010, Renault had sourced components worth 35 million euros from India, while this year it will be between 75-80 million euros. By 2012, it is expected to reach 100 million euros.”
Renault Nissan has plans to invest Rs.4500 crores by 2015 in its manufacuring facility at Chennai with the aim of producing 400,000 car units p.a. there.
About the joint venture with Bajaj Auto for producing an ultra low cost car, Mr. Nassif said: “If it (ULC) really matches our DNA, we will go ahead. If the quality of development matches with the promises we see, we will go ahead.” His statement lends further credence to the reports that Renault is not particulalry happy with the work on the ULC.
