CHENNAI: Auto major Renault is banking on the newly released Multi Purpose Vehicle(MPV) Lodgy to double its sales volume for the next year, according to country CEO and MD Sumit Sawhney.
The auto company currently has one model that contributes a large percentage to its India sales - The Duster, one of the market leaders in the SUV segment.
In fact, in 2014, industry figures show that the Duster contributed close to three fourths of the company’s 49,000 units sold domestically.
In addition to the Duster, which Sawhney said was the first pillar of growth in the country, the Lodgy will form the second pillar - one that is expected to double Renault’s sales figures for this year.
“We will be doubling the volume this year, from what we sold last year,” stated Sawhney.
The increase in volume is also set to see the company increase its market share to 5 per cent by the end of 2016 from the current 2 per cent. The 5 per cent target was one which the company had set earlier.
Renault also expects to augment the volume addition from the Lodgy with the new sub 4-meter model set to be launched next.
“With the launch of the Lodgy, we have entered Renault 2.0. This new version will also see us entering into the integrated services market. Used car service, a financing arm and one more design centre will be set up in the country,” said Sawhney while adding that it was also looking at growing on digital platforms.
The company is also planning to embark on a parallel expansion of sales outlets from the current 157 to 205 by December 2015 and 305 service centres by the end of next year.
The Lodgy, meanwhile, is being rolled out of its plant in Chennai.
The company recently increased its manufacturing capacity from 4 lakh to 4.80 lakh units to meet growing demand it expects to see in the next few years.