Renault mulls entering LCV market in India

Earlier this year, Renault unveiled the Oroch, a medium-sized pickup truck at Buenos Aires. While the vehicle was originally aimed at South American markets, latest media reports suggest that the company could consider bringing it to India.

Based on the Duster, the Oroch has a twin cab body style with four doors and five seats. It is positioned in the 0.5-tonne segment.

Renault wants to expand its light commercial vehicle (LCV) business and for this, it plans to explore new markets. Renault believes that markets in the Asia-Pacific region will be instrumental in achieving its goal. The pickup truck segment accounts for 40% of global LCV sales.

India is likely to be one of the markets that Renault starts selling LCVs in. However, at present the company does not consider it viable to enter the LCV market in the country. It could consider the step as the market matures. Before India, Renault is likely to launch its products in Thailand and Australia.

Other players like Isuzu, Tata Motors and Mahindra are already present in the pickup truck segment in India. Isuzu expects the segment to grow and is of the opinion that in less than 10 years from now, 10-15 million vehicles will be sold in the segment annually in the country.  

Source: Autocar Professional