Author Topic: The return of Renault to North America? (Read 8333 times)

skypoint · « **on:** July 25, 2005, 01:26:40 pm »

I saw this in the FAQ section of the Renault UK website... they might be back in North America within 5 years.

http://www.renault.com/gb/transverse/contact_p21.htm

Renault is not considering a return to North America in the near future, as certain aspects of the American car market such as reduced speeds on large motorways, vehicle size, petrol prices and emission standards, make it necessary to design cars differently for use there

Louis Schweitzer, Renault Chairman and CEO, has indicated that from 2010 on, Renault will need to be present on the North American market as the United States is the most profitable and the largest automobile market in the world. To successfully accomplish this, Renault will need to be present both on an industrial and a commercial level there and may be aided in this by its partner Nissan.

skypoint · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2005, 01:34:13 pm »

Peugeot Citroen seem to be thinking about it too, but without any dates

http://wardsauto.com/ar/auto_psa_limits_mitsubishi/index.htm

The French auto maker says while it does plan to return to North America in the long term, it will not do so utilizing Mitsubishi’s Normal, IL, plant, nor its retail network, as rumored. The vision is for PSA to develop its own independent infrastructure, while avoiding complicated alliances or acquisitions.

“The question is not looking for a plant, but do we have the products (to enter the U.S. market),” PSA Chairman Jean-Martin Folz tells Ward’s.

"We need to have a full product lineup to establish our own dealer network.”

Folz admits PSA “regrets” not remaining in the U.S. market but says the auto maker does plan a return. PSA last sold the Peugeot 405, 505 and 604 in the U.S. in 1992.

“We should obviously be attracted to the North American market. We are certainly thinking about it,” he says. “We have neither a short-term nor mid-term project today to come back to the U.S. We certainly will do this eventually.”

A4_tom · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2005, 01:36:14 pm »

Alfa Romeo still the closet to return to North America, from everything I have read.

skypoint · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2005, 01:55:36 pm »

True, that.

Though it looks like SEAT will be next Euro brand to hit North America after that. 2008 for SEATs

http://carbuying.autoblog.com/entry/1234000203042645/

“North America is the next sensible step strategically,” SEAT head Andreas Schleef said in an interview with German newspaper, Automobilwoche. SEAT is a part of the Volkswagen Group and has plans to sell the cars through Audi dealerships. The current cars do not conform to U.S. standards making the launch impossible before 2008. At that time the next-generation SEATs would be built in Mexico for the NA market.

airbalancer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:33:19 pm »

I believe any French company trying to sell cars in the US would have a hard time because of the Iraq war. America public will not take kindly to a french car. Somepeople still have a hard time with Japaness car after all these years

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:42:32 pm »

"Freedom Fries"
LOLZ...

gibsonguy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:43:56 pm »

I don't see the problem. German and Japanese cars sell very well in the US.

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:45:54 pm »

Renault produce some amazing cars, some of the most sporty they only sell to us "mad brits" and they don't even sell in France.

I hope the models they choose to sell there are the quality versions, not just the bland, cheap interior, cheap sticker price versions...

safristi · « **Reply #8 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:51:03 pm »

Give them time ta recover after Lance beat them at their National Pastime...no NOT avoiding showers,smoking everywhere,fancying anything they cook is 5 star, drinkin gbluddy awful Vin Ordinaire but riding around in tight Spandex fer 21 days!!!!!

hondasalesguy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 25, 2005, 03:16:16 pm »

Only problem I could see with selling a French car is the garlic smell...

Jest kidding people..resist the urge to jump down my throat...

froggy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 25, 2005, 03:35:35 pm »

^^^ No comments....

skypoint · « **Reply #11 on:** July 25, 2005, 04:24:35 pm »

I can easily see the French car range settling well into the Canadian market - they make exceptional minivans, and pretty good Civic and Accord sized sedans/hatches.

They're bound to be weaker on the southern side of the border. Without trucks and SUVs, theirpopularity could flounder a bit there. Then again, if fuel prices continue to rise and car sizes in the US shrink, the French could slot into a nice market position.

jpd · « **Reply #12 on:** July 25, 2005, 07:05:49 pm »

With those French cars in Canada, that would be very good for any Canadian car buyer!

Sky, you are right about the French minivan, in Beijing, during a short drive, I sit in a Citroen minivan (forgot the model name) and it was very impressive indeed! A different tranny position (closer too the dash), and plenty of computer information about the engine performance, etc! Was told that it was a bit too big for the Chinese Market.

safristi · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2005, 09:40:07 am »

jpd · « **Reply #14 on:** July 26, 2005, 12:59:04 pm »

No Saf, the roof line of the Citroen minivan I saw in Beijing was nearly as a half circle!! You need to go back to the drawing table! Best

S60 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 26, 2005, 04:30:40 pm »

Jpd was it the Escape http://www.renault.com/img/gamme/images/espace_ext2.jpg

sirAQUAMAN64 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 26, 2005, 04:41:17 pm »

"ESPACE" - S60, you've been at work too long!

S60 · « **Reply #17 on:** July 26, 2005, 05:01:32 pm »

You are absolutely correct SirA, I'm outta here.

A4_tom · « **Reply #18 on:** July 26, 2005, 06:17:48 pm »

"Politically correct" speaking, Renault invented minivan earlier than Chrysler thanks to the innovative Espace. Renault is also the inventor of ppl mover/mini-minivan with the 1997 Scenic.

Scaerio · « **Reply #19 on:** July 26, 2005, 08:10:43 pm »

Actually take a look back in history. In 1981 or 82 Nissan introduced the Prairie, which we got in 1986 as the Stanza wagon. It's later version was the Axxess. The Nissan was a direct derivative of the Ital Design (I think) Megagamma concept of 1978...

Before the Renault or Chrysler.

(Message edited by gkjsooley on July 26, 2005)

Author Topic: The return of Renault to North America? (Read 8333 times)

A4_tom

S60

S60

A4_tom