Expanding its footprints in the global market, French vehicle manufacturer Renault is reportedly concentrating on new market with its light commercial vehicles (LCV).
A report from Autocarpro indicates that Renault has listed India among the new market for the LCV and is currently studying the feasibility of introducing its vehicles.
Ashwani Gupta, VP, global head - LCV business, Renault told Autocarpro that the company is closely monitoring the Indian LCV market. He was speaking after the global unveiling of Renault's first 1-tonne pickup truck concept, called Alaskan. It will go into production during the first half of 2016.
To test the water, Renault also considers bringing Oroch, Duster-based lifestyle vehicle from its international portfolio. Renault says that the current composition of the Indian LCV market may not make it viable for it to enter. However, as the market matures and customers move to products with better total cost of ownership, Oroch will find its own space in the market.
Renault Oroch made its debut at the 2015 Buenos Aires Motor Show in June. Renault claims Oroch is positioned between the half-ton and one-ton pickups. With five seats and four doors, it combines a double cab with a level of space comparable to a bigger pickup.
Since Oroch is based on Duster SUV, the former gets a new single-slat front grille, tweaked bumpers, new tail-lamps and a pick-up like design starting from the C-pillar. Beyond the C-pillar lies a large load-bed. The interior also features Duster based layout, three-spoke steering wheel and 7-inch display system.
The South American version, which is the prime market of Oroch, gets 1.6- and 2.0-litre petrol/diesel engines that will be offered with a choice of transmission ranging from a four-speed automatic to a five- or six-speed manual. However, when it comes to India, the 103bhp 1.6-litre petrol motor, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine in 84bhp and 108bhp versions are likely to continue.
