1
NEWS
PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Renault considers Navara-based ute
Two of Renault's senior executives confirm the French company will develop a uteRenault continues to push beyond its traditional European marketplaces into countries such as Australia and others in the Asia Pacific. But the brand must expand its product portfolio in order to gain a foothold, and a Renault ute is on the shortlist.
Talking to Australian media at the Paris motor show, Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker agreed that Renault needed to become less Euro-centric, and, when questioned by motoring.com.au about the potential of a ute, had the following to say:
"I think we started the internationalisation of our brands 10 years ago but realised we need to push much harder and so very often we will get requests from the regions to develop new types of products that are very relevant for them, and a pickup is definitely on the list."
Mr van den Acker said that increasing market share in regions beyond Europe is critical to the company's future success, and that sister company Nissan would most certainly play a vital role in any ute/pickup plans
"Yes I think we need to become much more international, it's the only way to save our souls. And the international markets... have great segments in pickups and we need to profit from Nissan's expertise."
The Navara (pictured) is Nissan Australia's top selling vehicle, accounting for around third of all sales, and it's possible we could see a restyled version of the next generation Navara – expected to debut in 2015 – wearing Renault badges, though Mr van den Acker wouldn't elaborate on the plans.
His comments on the potential for a Renault ute were backed up by Gilles Normand, Renault's newly appointed Senior Vice President and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific region. When motoring.com.au raised the topic of a Nissan Navara-based Renault ute, Mr Normand wouldn't rule it out: "[Nissan-Renault has] a lot of discussion whether we should share or not share around some platforms, and I don't say no [to a ute]."
Renault's regional chief said that it needs to dramatically increase sales in the Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for roughly half of all global sales, yet only 10 per cent of Renault's annual sales occur in the Asia-Pacific. He also confirmed Renault's commitment to Australia, a commitment that hasn't always been patent.
"Are we serious about Australia? Frankly speaking in the past I can't say we've been serious," admitted Mr Normand. "Are we willing to become serious? Obviously we are willing, because we want to increase our share in the Asia Pacific. I don't consider there is any reason why we are not capable to make an impact in Australia.
"It's not going to take place overnight, it's going to need a lot of effort and investment, but at least we have a very clear strategy direction."
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...
Share this article
Written byFeann Torr
See all articlesOur team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayRelated articles
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Scan to download the carsales app
Want more info? Here’s our app landing page
App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo
are trademarks of Google LLC.