Next-generation Megane coming in 2009 l Nissan-Samsung developing Corolla fighter
Mahindra & Mahindra has announced plans to set up a massive new car plant near Chennai(Madras) with Renault and Nissan, with the three companies recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. The new 400,000 units- per-annum facility would be set up at a total cost of about Rs 4000 crore, with Mahindra being a 50 percent partner and Renault-Nissan jointly holding the balance.
Production at the new plant is expected to commence from the second half of 2009 with all three companies producing their models from same plant, the first time this will happen in India.
As to which models will roll off the lines at this new plant, each partner has very distinct plans and strategies. Renault plans to expand on its Logan platform (code L-90) by manufacturing variants like the Logan Steppe (code R90), as well as a premium hatchback for the B-segment (code B90). Other spin-offs include an SUV, crossover (code H79) and possibly a coupe as well. However, Renault does not plan to make the sedan version of the Logan at the Chennai plant, since this model is already in production at Nashik currently, as part of its earlier joint venture with Mahindra. Significantly, Renault is also planning to make the latest version of its Megane sedan model (which is due in Europe by end- 2008) at the Chennai plant for the Indian market. Renault expects to make around 80,000 units by 2009, with volumes increasing over time.
Nissan on the other hand would be starting off with its small hatchback model (X02A) and then the large hatch (X02B), with volumes expected to touch 1.95 lakh and 1.3 lakh respectively by 2012. These models will come with a range of engines including 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrols (XH5) as well as a 1.5-litre diesel (XH2)
According to Dr Pawan Goenka, president, automotive sector at Mahindra, “Nissan is looking at making a variety of cars at this new facility”. Nissan is also believed to working on a new-entry luxury sedan for India in collaboration with Samsung Motors (which is part of the Renault Group), which would go up against the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The company is also planning to use this new facility as a major sourcing base for export to its overseas markets in Europe and elsewhere.
Mahindra itself is expected to make an entirely new generation of utility vehicles at Chennai. Based on a monocoque chassis design codenamed Model W, this will be the first model to roll out. Meanwhile, its current range of body-on-frame models like the Scorpio and the upcoming Ingenio would continue to be made at the existing plant at Nashik.
Capacity will touch 400,000 units per annum over seven years and later depending on demand this could double, making it potentially one of the largest automotive production sites in India. Besides manufacturing vehicles, this new facility will also have an engine and transmission manufacturing plant for Renault and Nissan, which would help them to increase local content.
400,000 units include:
Renault
Logan Steppe (R90)
Logan Hatchback (B90)
Logan SUV
Crossover (H79)
Next-generation Megane
Nissan
Small hatch (X02A)
Large hatch (XO2B)
New Corolla-fighter sedan
XH5 petrol engines – 1.2, 1.5 litre
XH2 diesel engine – 1.5 litre
Mahindra
Model W – New generation of monocoque SUVs
--AutocarIndia