Renault PulseExpected launch date : Jan-2012 .This is a third product from Renault’s car basket in India. In an attempt to put its best foot forward in India, Renault India has readied its new car ‘Renault Pulse’ for mass audience. After it ceased the joint venture with SUV giant Mahindra & Mahindra, Renault chalked out an aggressive strategy for establishing itself in the much competitive car market. In an effort to emerge as an independent identity in the country, the French auto biggie came with Renault Fluence and lately brought into fore an SUV - Renault Koleos. Renault India wants to extend its reach in every car segment. Therefore after launching Koleos SUV for niche audience at Rs 23 lakh, the French auto maker will target mass audience by Renault Pulse. Renault Pulse will be positioned in the Swift hatchback category.
To generate curiosity, Renault has put up 3 upcoming cars in line on its website in disguised appearance. The first among them is the small car Renault Pulse, which is unveiled in a grand event at Formula 1 racing in Noida. Renault Pulse was unveiled Carlos Tavares, COO of Renault and Marc NASSIF, Managing Director, Renault India and two Formula 1 drivers. The company, which is focusing on the top-down strategy to establish the brand in the Indian market, is simultaneously working on plans to enter the core market which is highlighted by hatchbacks in India. It plans to launch a range of vehicles based on a completely new platform in the A segment.
Although Renault has a tried and tested market for its hatchbacks in international market, India would be witnessing the entry of Renault’s small car for the first time. There were so many guesses about the exact name of this upcoming car that everyday a new name used to crop up for this hatchback. But none of them could make up to India and finally Renault Pulse will stick to the name plate.Renault Pulse will be specially devised for Indian market to keep the price affordable. Renault India has decked up Renault Pulse with all necessary and luxury features to suit the requirements of Indian audience. Renault Pulse is basically a small hatchback car by built. However, the emphasis is not on the smallness of the car, rather it is quite spacious and roomy. Renault Indian is eyeing big business through this small car in India. The widening arms of Renault can be seen from Renault’s investment of a whopping Rs 6.5 crore on promotional activities during Indian GP.
Renault Pulse is developed for the Indian market by Renault’s Design Center in Mumbai. The Renault Pulse Indian project is being completely handled by Indian designers. The 11 member design team is working from the past two-and-a-half years when the project was started in 2009. While Renault is working on building the brand, the design team based in Mumbai is busy making new products. The company worked on the design of Renault Pulse that came out with the Logan, even though the latter was not a success. During these three years, the designers understood the needs, expectations and taste in terms of colours, shapes and features of Indian customers. Based on their research, Renault India decided to position the car a little differently from Nissan’s Micra and therefore, tried making Renault Pulse more sporty, aggressive and with more character. The quick rollout of products highlights Renault’s commitment to the Indian market.