Renault to launch hatchback in January 2012

New Delhi: French carmaker Renault on Tuesday said it will launch a new hatchback in India during the Auto Expo in January 2012 that will compete with Maruti Suzuki’s Swift. The car is specifically designed for the Indian market by its design centre in Mumbai.

“In January 2012 we will launch a hatchback in B to B+ segment and it is specifically designed for the Indian customers by our Mumbai centre,” Renault Executive Vice-President (Product Planning and Program) Philippe Klein told reporters.

The company will launch the car in segment where Maruti Suzuki India’s premium hatchback Swift is positioned. Klein said the company will launch its sports utility vehicle new Koleos by the end of 2011.

“After the hatchback, our fourth car for the Indian market will be a SUV and its the Duster. We will launch it in the second half of 2012,” Klein said.