Shanghai, September 17 (Gasgoo.com) French automaker Renault SA sold 500% more vehicles in China this year to date than the same period of 2008 and plans to introduce five new models to the Chinese market next year, xinhuanet.com reported today.
In early July, Renault scaled up its China sales target of 2009 to 6,000 units. "China has become Renault's fastest-growing and most profitable market in the world," said Mr. Chen Guozhang (Robert Chan), president of Renault's Greater China division.
Sales of the Koleos SUV, which was launched in China in mid-April through imports, are expected to top 5,000 units by the end of this year. There are four Koleos SUV models imported to the Chinese market, with selling prices starting from 242,000 yuan ($35,500).
At the beginning of this year Renault restarted its auto import strategy in China, where the Laguna sedan was launched in late February. Renault plans to import 11 all-new models to China in 2010-2011.
The five new models to be imported to China next year will be the Clio, large Scenic, small Scenic, Megane sedan and Megane hatchback. The Clio will be introduced first in small quantities.
In the Chinese market, Renault will be positioned as a leisure luxury brand. Renault vehicles will be produced in China sooner or later to cut the cost and meet the growing demand, Chen said.
