Renault opened its only factory in China in January of last year with joint venture partner Dongfeng Motor. Production started with the Kadjar compact SUV, with output of the Koleos midsize SUV added in November.
Renault sold 14,189 vehicles in China in the first two months, making it the 43rd largest automaker in the country. Now Renault wants to introduce the all new Espace to China as a halo product for the brand. However, the cost of import duties will restrict sales of the high sales of the Espace. Instead the car will be halo model to increase Renault’s visibility. It will be used as a marketing tool to expand the brand. Renault management expects sales of 70,000 this year, but said the brand could be doing much more.
At the 2016 opening of the Wuhan factory, Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn said Renault targets a 3.5% market share in China, without giving a timeframe.
Renault has the ability to double the factory’s capacity to 300,000 by installing a second production line.
The company said in 2016 that it also planned to build sedans at the plant, likely the Talisman midsize model. Currently Renault has a license from the Chinese authorities to produce the two SUVs at the plant and must seek permission to build new models.
