Tag: Renault

  • Datsun is here, and it only gets complicated

    Nissan is re-launching the Datsun brand and it starts with India, one of the most looked out for among the emerging markets for global car manufacturers. For those who do not know, Datsun has a rich heritage in Cars and racing, but the brand Datsun was replaced by what is now called “Nissan” way back in 1981.

    It has been in news ever since last two years when it was first announced. The reason Nissan’s move has generated such a hype in media and among auto-enthusiasts is because of the brand they choose, and not what they are going to do with it. Datsun pretty much helped establish the Japanese car makes in the western world, particularly the United States.
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  • Mahindra Verito coming your way

    Mahindra launched the much anticipated their own version of Renault Logan that company produced in a JV with the French company. What this means is a better version suited for Indian conditions. The chassis and engine remains the same however there are a few cosmetic changes on the exterior and interior. Remember that Mahindra has experience in re-badging other products and selling across India, most notable is the Jeep design.

    As it was published earlier, Mahindra had disagreements with the French company about the cars characteristics which the French company refused to change which led to the break up. Mahindra also had a bad experience with Ford, when the later in partnership with Mahindra launced the Escort in India.

    Logan Verito
    Logan Verito

    Now equipped with several rugged and sporty styling elements, the car looks a bit different and sporty. The time bound Logan features will remain.

    Mahindra Press release states that:

    On the performance front, the Verito retains all the strengths of the Logan. The new Verito offers the sameRenault drive train with the option of a 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel engine or 1.4 MPFI petrol engine. Equipped withthis, the Verito offers an amazing 21.03 KMPL fuel efficiency (diesel mileage as per ARAI). The Verito remainsthe broadest car in its segment, offering unmatched cabin space. It also boasts of a spacious seating capacityand a boot space which is one of the largest, with 510 litre capacity

    The competition might just hot up when Tata launches their Indigo CS with their 25kmpl C4 engine. Lets hope the Logan gets its due, at least its Indian version.

  • Group Lotus to become Renault title sponsors

    For the next season until 2017, Group Lotus will be the title sponsor for the Renault F1 Team, the Forumla1.com website has reported. This comes as a significant move by Proton, the owner of Group Lotus brand name. Lotus, famous for making exotic sports cars, is a British marquee and was active in Formula1.

    Next season onwards, the team will be known as Lotus Renault GP. Group Lotus will also become major equity partners in the Renault team with current owners Genii Capital. Mean while, Renault will continue to support the team as a supplier of engines and technological and engineering expertise.

    Does this mean that Renault is finally planning to exit the Formula1 team management? For sure, this move points fingers to that question. Renault has bagged great bargain here. While it wont own the team, but it will have its brand prominent. Lotus is very exited about this new development.

    To quote from Formula1.com: Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said: “I can think of no better platform for automotive brand communications than motorsport and F1 is the very pinnacle of open-wheel racing. We’re well aware that there has been a lot of controversy around the usage of our brand in F1 and I’m delighted to be able to formally clarify our position once and for all: we are Lotus and we are back.”

    The Malaysia backed Lotus Racing, the team that brought the Lotus name back to Formula1 (under licence) managed by Air Asia CEO Tony Fernandes last season will be known during the 2011 Championship season as Team Lotus. They will continue to compete next year under the new name and they are switching their engine supplier from Cosworth to Renault.