Renault India has added a new top-end variant of their successful Kwid hatchback. Called the Kwid Climber the car which is available in manual and automatic versions with a 1-litre petrol engine will cost Rs 4.3 - 4.6 lakh ex-showroom Delhi.
Renault India Chief Executive Sumit Sawhney was extremely bullish about the new car and the Kwid overall, “We are now the third-highest selling car in the ‘Mini’ segment behind the maruti Alto and wagonR and average wholesale of between 8-10 thousand Kwid’s every month.”
The success of the Kwid was even celebrated by Renault-Nissan global boss carlos Ghosn who mentioned in media interactions during the ongoing Geneva Motor show that the success of the Kwid has driven Renault India into profit.
Sawhney expected this new variant, which is the most expensive Kwid variant to attract ‘bold and expressive’ customers thanks to exuberant colours. He also believed that the Indian car market will continue to grow at the strong pace established over the past few years. “I believe the target of five million cars by 2020 is well on track and I feel that Renault will play a bigger role going forward, now that we have established ourselves at the bottom of the pyramid. Renault is also expanding its dealership network by adding another 50 dealerships this year to add to the 270 dealerships already in its network.
The success of the Kwid will drive brand loyalty.” He also pointed out that the automotive sector had little choice but to grow at a strong pace if the Government wanted to drive employment opportunities. “The automotive sector already accounts of 47 per cent of the manufacturing sector and employs directly and indirectly over 31 million Indians, if the market doubles, another 30 million Indians will potentially get a livelihood.”