Riding high on the strong demand of its hatchback Kwid, Indian arm of the French carmaker Renault launched the Renault Kwid Climber at a price tag of Rs 4.30 lakh for the manual variant and Rs 4.60 lakh for the AMT variant.
Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault India Operations, said, "The Renault Kwid Climber has been developed keeping in mind specific customer needs and caters to diverse audiences, becoming the perfect offering for young achievers who are moving up places steadfastly. This new launch reflects our intent to keep pace with global innovations and at the same time make products to suit the local needs."
Since its launch, Renault has sold more than 1.30 lakh units of Kwid. Last month the company had sold around 9,600 units. The only other car which remains more successful that Kwid for Renault is its compact SUV Duster, selling more than 1.50 lakh units since making its debut in India.
Designed and developed by Renault’s design studios in Mumbai and Chennai, the company says that the Kwid Climber concept proves the highest degree in which the KWID can be customised. It will only be available with the 1.0-litre petrol engine, in the top-end RXT(O) variant.
Bookings for the car have commenced across all Renault dealerships in India. The Climber is available in three colour options – Electric Blue, Outback Bronze and Planet Grey.
Carlos Ghosn, Renault-Nissan alliance chairman and CEO at the Geneva Auto Show said that Renault has started making money in India after selling 1,00,000 Kwids.
Ghosn added Kwid has put Renault on strong foot in India.
"The company initially struggled because it was the new plant and a new car, so when you have so much innovation accommodated, you struggle with profitability," he said.
BW Reporters
The author is Senior Correspondent with BW Businessworld