2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
Renault is aiming for the top three as part of the announced "Contract 2009". CEO Carlos Ghosn decorated the future of the group in a martial manner, but rejected any further cooperation.
By Thomas Flehmer
The competition has to dress warmly - at least if Carlos Ghosn has his way. Even before the opening of the International Motor Show (IAA), the head of Renault-Nissan blew the horn. "We are going to attack," announced the general from Lebanon in front of 450 invited journalists in the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main.
Martial choice of words
One and a half years after the start of the so-called “Contract 2009”, Ghosn announced the start of the product offensive, which, of course, had already begun with the new Twingo, in a language that the British daily “The Sun” would have been delighted with.
The “bridgehead” of the offensive is now being installed at the IAA - the third generation Laguna. "The Laguna is the first step towards returning to the upper class," says Ghosn this time rather soberly. A new and very refreshing Kangoo and the Clio Grandtour as well as the Koleos, which will be released next spring, will be placed alongside the Sperrspitze. The SUV will be the first Renault model to be equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Logan-based Sandero was designed primarily for the South American market. The five-door sedan will expand the Logan range in the coming year. Before that, the Renault subsidiary from Romania will be using a pickup that was introduced in the home country in January of this year.
A new model every month
In general, the year 2008 should represent the most important twelve months in the course of the “Contract 2009”. A new model comes onto the market every month, and a total of 26 new models are planned by 2009. In addition to a new six-cylinder diesel, special attention must then be paid to the Laguna Coupè, which is still celebrating its premiere in Frankfurt as a concept vehicle and accelerates to 100 km / h in seven seconds.
According to Ghosn, each of these models should now help to sell an additional 800,000 models per year. A very ambitious goal for the French, especially since the German market is currently causing the manufacturer to suffer heavy losses except for the Logan success story.
No further alliance planned
Despite the ambitious goals, Renault will not enter into a partnership with an American partner. “An alliance would only make sense if you have good qualifications,” says Ghosn. However, if they cannot be foreseen, "we stay on the sidelines."
Ghosn performed almost on the sidelines at the end of the event. With the many new and mostly very environmentally friendly models, a foundation stone has been built, said the previously rumbling general now rather meekly. You have to see whether it will be a success.
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