Renault to unveil eight new models by 2027; new modular platform to be assembled in India
French automaker Renault has revealed its ambitious plans to invest €3 billion to introduce eight new offerings and aims to sell one out of three electric or hybrid vehicles outside the European market by 2027. In fact, Renault already unveiled two new vehicles and that will be a part of the eight new models. It also aims to double the net revenue per unit sold outside Europe by 2027 as against 2019. Notably, the brand revealed these and more plans at its "International Game Plan 2027" event held in Rio De Janeiro.
In its presentation, the company said that its international sales accounts for 43 per cent of its total sales. The brand had sold 6,34,124 models in the previous year in the global markets. In fact, the five of its top ten markets were outside Europe last year, including India.
Renault new product offensive, new platforms, and other plans
To start with, with its €3 billion investment, Renault will introduce eight new models outside Europe, including five vehicles positioned between the C and D-segments. For this, it will have two platforms: a new Renault Group flexible and scalable platform dedicated to Latin America, North Africa, Turkey and India along with a Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that will be used to make D and E-segments vehicles, based in South Korea in partnership with Geely. It is to be noted that the new modular platform will also be assembled in India.
Renault further unveiled the Niagara Concept â€" a futuristic pickup from Renault aimed at international markets alongside the Kardian Kardian â€" the first of the eight production models to be unveiled. The B Segment Kardian is set to enter Morocco and Latin America in 2024.
Moreover, a part of its plan is to lower tailpipe emissions with the upcoming vehicles. At first, Renault will achieve this with hybrid powertrains in its future line-up, and then will then introduce 'E-Tech' battery electric vehicles models in the countries outside Europe, such as the Megane E-Tech, which is already on-sale in Brazil and Turkey.
The new Renault Group modular platform will have vehicle length between four- and five-metre with four options to choose from 2.6 to three metres of wheelbase. The platform will be able to accommodate a variety of powertrains, namely ICE, flex fuel (E100), LPG, 48V mild hybrid, and full hybrid across front-wheel and four-wheel drive systems.
On the other hand, the CMA platform will be dedicated to the high-end segment D- and E-segment models, with two- and four-wheel drives and hybrid powertrains. The new vehicles will be designed by the engineering centre located in Seoul and built at the plant in Busan. The first Renault Korea Motors vehicle developed on this platform will arrive next year.
Renault Niagara ConceptThe Niagara Concept pickup showcases the brand's new approach towards designing its future vehicle line-up. It shows off the rugged styling in its design language. The Niagara concept features extra raised and long-travel suspension, large tyres, sturdy front and rear bumpers, a roof rack, chunky wheel arches cladding, a light bar connecting to taillights, eyebrow-shaped headlights, and Renault lettering at the front with "pixel-art" finish inspired by pop culture. In fact, it will use Renault Group's new modular platform.
It uses the brand's E-Tech Hybrid 4WD powertrain with a mild hybrid system assisted engine at the front axle and an additional electric motor at the rear axle. Renault says, "Niagara Concept is an optimised off-road performance 4WD model. It can handle half of your everyday drives in full-electric mode, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions". Renault Niagara Concept will be one of the global models launched by 2027.
Also read:
Fourth-generation Skoda Superb to debut on 2 Nov
Japan Mobility Show 2023: Honda brings back Prelude as hybrid-electric vehicle