Franco-Japanese auto alliance
Renault-Nissan on Tuesday said it has decided to end collaboration with Bajaj Auto for sourcing of ultra-low cost car, as it
looks for options in countries such as China and Russia.
"We have decided against further collaboration with Bajaj on a four-wheeler vehicle. Outside India, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is addressing "price-entry" segments in many emerging economies, such as Indonesia, China and Russia," a spokesperson of Nissan Motor said.
In China, two vehicles under the Venucia Brand (D40 and D50) have already been launched by the Dong Feng- Nissan Joint Venture, the company said.
In Russia, collaboration between Renault-Nissan and AvtoVAZ is already making progress on vehicles to be launched under the Datsun Brand, it added.
"We are not going to provide any more product details at this time but we look forward to disclosing more information as we get closer to their respective production dates," the spokesperson added.
When contacted, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj declined to comment on the issue stating he has not "heard from them".
As per an agreement reached between Renault-Nissan alliance and Bajaj Auto in 2009, the Indian automaker was supposed to design, develop and manufacture the product, which was intended as an ultra low cost car, while the alliance would sell it under their badging.
In 2010, Renault-Nissan announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Bajaj Auto to take forward their ULC car project.
Since then, Bajaj Auto had gone on to develop the RE60 but it remained uncertain if Renault-Nissan would source the product to sell in India and similar global markets and their partnership has not flourished.
Bajaj Auto had unveiled the RE60, a mini-four wheeler meant for urban transportation to replace three-wheelers at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January this year.
At the time of unveiling the RE60, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj had said it would be up to Renault-Nissan whether to source it or not after seeing the product.
Bajaj had, however, refused to call the RE60 that is a powered by a 200 cc rear mounted petrol engine with a top speed of 70 kmph, as a car saying it was a commercial vehicle meant for passenger transportation.
In January 2008, Bajaj Auto had unveiled its concept passenger car with an expected price of USD 3,000. It had partnered with Renault-Nissan for the ultra low cost (ULC) car project. The ULC was first scheduled to hit the roads in India in 2011, but was delayed due to differences between the partners on pricing and design.
While Renault-Nissan wanted to price the car at around USD 2,500, Bajaj insisted on lowering the overall cost of ownership.
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