C-, D- and E-segmenters are also on their way
The Renault Kardian is the first of eight new models with which the brand will target markets outside Europe. It not only comes with compact models, but even with C, D and E segmenters. These larger models will be placed on the CMA platform, which you know in the Netherlands from cars such as the Volvo XC40!
Outside Europe, Renault is a completely different brand than within European borders. For example, Renault has been focusing on growth markets for years with models borrowed from Dacia, among others. In South America, among others, it sells cars such as the previous Dacia Sandero and the current Duster as Renault, in many countries it supplies the small Kwid of which our Dacia Spring is a derivative and in Russia there was even a Kaptur (with a K -) for sale which was an old Duster underneath. Even the Russian Arkana was more or less a Duster underneath. Renault is now focusing even more strongly on cheaper models, but that does not mean that they only receive old technology from home.
The Renault Sandero was already different in South America than ‘our’ previous Sandero. The Kardian differs more strongly from its European equivalent.
While cars like the Dacia Jogger and Sandero in Europe have been using a cheaper variant of the CMF-B platform also used by Renault, Renault still sells cars like the previous Sandero elsewhere. The previous generation Sandero (and Logan) are on a simpler platform that does not handle electrified powertrains very well. But that’s going to change. Renault announces the arrival of no fewer than eight new models for non-European markets. There are not even five models for the C, D and even E segment. The newcomers should enter the market around 2027. Progress is also being made regarding electrification. Very big steps. Renault has set itself the target of having a third of its non-European sales consist of hybrid or electric models by around 2027.
Renault’s new models will not be on one platform. The D and E segmenters will be placed on a platform developed in South Korea together with the Chinese Geely. That basis will be called CMA. Wait a second. CMA? The Compact Modular Platform? Certainly. It seems that these larger Renault models in growth markets will be based on a derivative of the CMA platform that you know from cars like the Volvo XC40! The smaller models will be placed on a base that Renault says it has developed for Latin America, North Africa, Turkey and India. That platform would be new, modular and suitable for various types of powertrains. With its growth market strategy, Renault hopes to double its net income per car sold outside Europe by around 2027 compared to 2019. The Kardian is the car with which Renault sounds the starting signal of its model offensive for growth markets.
Niagara Concept
The second newcomer is a conceptual one: the Niagara. The Renault Niagara Concept is a relatively compact pick-up with four doors and a modest loading platform. How should you view that car? We point to an existing model for this. In South America, Renault sells a car called Oroch. Just like the Niagara, the Oroch is a compact pick-up with four doors. That model has been in operation since 2015 and is based on the previous generation Duster. Don’t be surprised if the Oroch is eventually replaced by the production version of this Niagara.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl