Renault to sell the low-cost Dacia Logan as a Nissan in Mexico

Quoting an inside Renault source, Automotive News is reporting that the Renault-Nissan Group has decided to sell the low-cost Dacia Logan in the Mexican market under the Nissan nameplate. The logic behind this move is that Nissan has a stronger brand-awareness than Renault does in the Mexican market. Sales of the Nissan Logan which will be built in Renault's factory in Curitiba, Brazil will start in Mexico in a few months. Via: Automotive News (sub. Req)

Renault Logan: Low-cost sedan launched in Argentina & Brazil

Looks like the French have beaten the Chinese in the cheap-ass car game -for the time being, at least. Following the introduction of the low-cost sedan in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, the Logan will be launched under the Renault brand in Argentina in May and in Brazil in July thus increasing the markets that the car is sold to a total of 57 countries. The Brazilian & Argentinean Logan’s will be built at Renault’s Ayrton Senna Complex in Curitiba, Brazil. Renault also confirmed earlier reports that it’ll sell the Logan as a Nissan to the Mexican market later on the year. -Click “Read More…” below for more high-res pics and the official press-release

PRESS RELEASE

Renault launches Logan in Argentina and Brazil -Another step forwards for Renault Commitment 2009
-The launch of Logan in Argentina and then in Brazil expands Renault's line-up in the two countries, where family buyers can now obtain the practical, spacious model at an affordable price.
-The gradual introduction of vehicles based on the X90 platform boosts production capacity utilization at the Curitiba complex in Brazil.
-The list of vehicles produced in Curitiba includes a model derived from Logan for the Mexican market, where it will be sold under the Nissan brand.
-Renault's plan for growth in Latin America is underway, with an expansion of the range, increases in production and sales, staff recruitment and the development of the sales network.
Coming after the introduction of Logan in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, the launch of Logan under the Renault brand in Argentina in May and in Brazil in July marks a new phase in the implementation of Renault Commitment 2009 in Latin America. Logan epitomizes Renault's bid to win over a new target market in the region, namely a family clientele looking for a spacious, affordable vehicle that is also both robust and easy to maintain. The region's two main automobile markets – Brazil and Argentina – are currently expanding and represent significant potential for Renault. In 2006, a total of 1,834,581 vehicles (cars + LCVs) were registered in Brazil, plus a further 420,356 in Argentina. These volumes represent an increase of 28% and 57%, respectively, from 2004 to 2006.
Logan: a new product to build on Renault's long-standing presence in Argentina
Thanks to its Santa Isabel plant in Cordoba, Renault has benefited from production facilities in Argentina for more than 50 years. The brand can also count on strong brand awareness in this country where it claimed a market share of 11.5% in 2006. Logan joins the three-box saloon segment and will enhance Renault's existing range, which currently features Laguna II, Scénic I,
Mégane I (4- and 5-door versions), Mégane II (estate, 4- and 5-door versions), Clio II (3-, 4- and 5-door versions), Kangoo and Master. This product offensive will be further boosted by the import of Grand Scenic II from April 2007, followed by that of Mégane II Coupe Cabriolet in June. Three-box saloons are particularly popular in Argentina and Logan is aimed essentially at family buyers. The proven sturdiness and durability that have paved the way for its success in other markets stand out as incontestable sales arguments.
An unprecedented product offensive in Brazil
Following in the wake of New Mégane in March 2006 and Mégane Grand Tour estate in November 2006, Logan is the third vehicle to be launched on the Brazilian market within the framework of Renault Commitment 2009. Logan will be available here with the bioethanol­powered engines required for this market, and these powerplants represent a world first for the Logan range. As in Argentina, Logan is essentially set to appeal to the Brazilian family buyer looking for a practical, spacious car at an attractive price. Renault will be launching three other models before the end of Renault Commitment 2009 and, with a renewed range adapted to local demand, Renault do Brasil is aiming to double its sales and generate a positive operating margin.
Optimization of production facilities in Curitiba
The Ayrton Senna Complex in Curitiba (Parana State) comprises three factories: an LCV factory producing both Renault (Master) and Nissan (Frontier and Xterra) models, a passenger car factory and a powertrain plant that feeds South America. Inaugurated in 1998, the passenger car body assembly factory currently produces Clio, Clio Sedan, Mégane, Mégane Grand Tour and Scénic.
Logan is the third model to be introduced in Curitiba in one year. The passenger car factory has a production capacity of 200,000. The arrival of Logan, which will be the line's sixth vehicle, enhances the factory's flexibility and optimizes use of its facilities. Annual production capacity for X90 platform vehicles is 110,000 units, destined for the home market and for export, mainly Argentina and Mexico. A model derived from Logan will be marketed in Mexico under the Nissan brand. Further information about the vehicle will be announced later.
To increase daily production from 300 to 450 vehicles, Renault introduced a second shift in the passenger car assembly factory at the beginning of April 2007 and has recruited 600 employees. Logan will feature a high degree of local content, with 80% of parts produced in Brazil. The objective is to increase this figure to 90% by 2009.
Logan, a global success
Since its launch in September 2004, more than 450,000 Logans have been purchased worldwide. The current year stands out as a key period in the X90 Programme, with production starting up in Iran, India and Brazil. Logan is currently manufactured in seven countries, is sold in 55 markets and makes a major contribution to Renault's international expansion and growth.
The X90 Programme represents a significant share of the targeted volume increase of 800,000 vehicles specified in the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. In America, Logan is assembled in the Colombian plant of Sofasa, located in Envigado. Marketing began in September 2005 in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. The Logan Programme has met with considerable success in Europe, where the range has been extended to include an estate version (Logan MCV) and a utility version (Logan Van).
The first two months of 2007 saw Logan MCV sales reach 5,500 in the European and Turkish markets. Logan's debut in Iran – where it is known as Tondar-90 – is also proving particularly promising. In the space of just one week, Iranian customers ordered almost 85,000 vehicles, which is equivalent to the year's total production. The model is built in the factories of Renault's two Iranian partners – Iran Khodro and Pars Khodro – and production capacity will reach 300,000 units per year by 2009. Meanwhile, in India, the first Logan rolled out of the Nashik factory on April 4, 2007, less than two years after the signing of a joint venture agreement with Renault's Indian partner Mahindra.
This development is the fruit of Renault's expertise in the realms of product and process engineering, quality and purchasing, plus Mahindra's production expertise, frugal approach and in-depth understanding of the Indian market, supported by the commitment of the operators working in the factory.

2009 Dacia Logan Pick-Up: Romanian El-Camino…

Dacia is enhancing its low-budget Logan line-up with the introduction of a pick-up version that will be launched on the Romanian market in March 2008 at a starting price of 7,250 euros or about $10,500. The Romanian… El-Camino features an 800kg or 1,763 lbs payload, a maximum load length of 1.80m or 71-inches and 300 litres of stowage space behind the seats in the cabin. The Logan pick-up will be offered with one petrol engine (90 HP 1.6-liter) and two versions (70hp and 85hp) of the 1.5 dCi diesel unit. –Details and pics after the jump

Press Release:

Dacia launches Logan Pick-up in Romania

Dacia Logan Pick-up is the latest addition to the Logan family, which already includes a saloon, an estate and a van. It is made at the Pitesti plant, in Romania, and addresses the needs of both business users (tradespeople and merchants) and private motorists looking for a practical leisure vehicle. Dacia Logan Pick-up naturally boasts all the hallmark qualities of the Logan family. With a choice of Renault petrol and diesel engines, and a chassis carried over from Logan MCV, Logan Pick-up is eminently modern and robust. And it is superbly practical, with an 800kg payload, a maximum load length of 1.80m and 300 litres of stowage space behind the seats in the cabin. Dacia Logan Pick-up offers unbeatable value for money. It will be launched on the Romanian market in March 2008 at a starting price of 7250 euros.

1. Logan hallmark virtues

Robust above all

Dacia Logan Pick-up follows the highly successful example set by its stablemates — Logan, Logan MCV and Logan Van— to extol the virtues of straightforward, robust design. Interior materials, for the dashboard, door panels and upholstery, are sturdy and durable, an important consideration for a working vehicle like Dacia Logan Pick­up. Exterior features are as found on the other Logan models: metal panels protected by wax injection of hollow sections, systematic application of sealing mastic for exterior cabin joints, and reinforced anti-chip protection for the substructure.

Bodywork corrosion protection on Dacia Logan Pick-up includes a galvanized roof and door panels, while some versions have wide protective door mouldings. Other protective features carried over on Dacia Logan Pick-up include raised suspension, higher ground clearance, and a protective skidplate under the powertrain. Dacia Logan Pick-up also gets the new dustproofing system for gearbox and transmissions, introduced on Dacia Logan MCV. Dacia Logan Pick-up’s most salient feature – the pick-up bed itself – is designed to last. It carries a payload of up to 800kg, and comes as standard with a protective surround that prevents damage to the bodywork during loading operations, and easily resists loads up to 100kg. The tailgate is designed with robustness and safety uppermost in mind, and will resist loads up to 300kg when open, a capability usually only found on larger pick-ups. The bed floor, sides and cabin partition are especially corrosion-proofed and there are two ducts at the front to drain out rainwater.

Safety first

Dacia Logan Pick-up has all the active and passive safety features of Dacia Logan MCV. Like all vehicles in the Logan range, it is built on the B0 platform, derived from the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s B platform, as used by Renault Modus, Renault Clio II, Renault Clio III and Nissan Micra. The suspension has been designed for sound, balanced response under all circumstances. The front suspension uses the MacPherson layout featured on Renault Clio II, with wishbone arm and non-damped cradle. As on other B-platform vehicles, the reinforced rear suspension uses a programmed deflection H-type torsion beam, plus coil springs and extended-travel vertical dampers, consistent with the poor road conditions on many of the car’s markets. There’s a front antiroll bar as standard. Dacia Logan Pick-up has disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Versions with ABS use a latest-generation Bosch 8.0 system with electronic brake distribution, as fitted on Renault Mégane II.

Passive safety systems on Dacia Logan Pick-up include a driver’s airbag as standard, plus a passenger’s airbag on option. The restraint system comprises three-point seatbelts. Dacia Logan Pick-up reaps full benefit from Renault engineering expertise in impact resistance and kinetic energy dissipation. The engine compartment layout is designed so that the content will tend to stack up under frontal impact conditions. The dashboard material has a highly absorbent polypropylene honeycomb structure to minimize the risk of knee injury on impact. Enhanced lower limb protection is afforded by under-foot padding on driver and passenger sides. Meanwhile, in side impacts, the B-post, seats (with enhanced lateral resistance) and door padding combine to provide effective hip protection.

Reliable engines

Dacia Logan Pick-up comes with a choice of three engines from the Renault group powertrain bank: one petrol engine (1.6 MPI) and two versions (70hp and 85hp) of the 1.5 dCi diesel unit. The 1.6 MPI petrol engine develops peak power of 64kW (90hp) at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 128Nm at 3,000rpm. It is rugged and easily serviced, important criteria for a utility vehicle. And it yields very creditable torque from low engine speeds. The first three gear ratios are short, for good pullaway and acceleration at low speeds or when heavily loaded, while the top two speeds are staged for acoustic comfort and fuel economy. On a combined cycle, Dacia Logan Pick-up with the 1.6 MPI consumes a very reasonable 8.1 litres per 100km. The technologically advanced 1.5 dCi diesel engine enjoys benchmark status in its category, and features a second-generation common-rail direct injection system that combines responsive performance with very low fuel consumption. The 50kW (70hp)

1.5 dCi version produces peak torque of 160Nm at 1,700rpm, with 85% of peak torque available between 1,500 and 3,500rpm. With the 63kW (85hp) version, peak torque is 200Nm from 1,900rpm, with 90% available from 1,500rpm. The five-speed gearbox, lubricated for life, is specially developed with longer ratios to make the most of the 1.5 dCi's torque. Pullaway and acceleration are crisp and sharp, even with a loaded vehicle. Both 1.5 dCi versions are ideally suited to a working vehicle like Dacia Logan Pick-up, and they give very reasonable fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures. With the 85hp 1.5 dCi engine, Dacia Logan Pick-up consumes just

5.2 litres per 100km (combined cycle), with CO2 emissions of 137g/km. Because these figures are very low for a vehicle with such a substantial loading capacity, Dacia Logan Pick-up makes a significant contribution to one of the undertakings of the Renault Commitment 2009, namely to sell a million vehicles that emit less than 140g of CO2 per km by the end of the business plan. With its 50-litre fuel tank, Dacia Logan Pick-up 1.5 dCi 85hp also sets a benchmark for range in this vehicle category, approaching 1,000km.

The petrol and diesel engines powering Dacia Logan Pick-up all benefit from the latest developments in Renault group engine technology, bringing greatly extended service intervals. Owners of the 70hp or 85hp 1.5 dCi diesel versions will need to bring their vehicles in for servicing every 15,000km (or every year) instead of every 10,000km, making six oil changes instead of ten per 100,000km. And the petrol version only needs serving every 20,000km (or yearly) instead of 15,000km. This improvement brings a spectacular reduction in servicing costs, of direct benefit to Dacia customers in general and business users in particular.

2. A practical, comfortable pick-up

Ingenious cabin

The Dacia Logan Pick-up cabin, designed for comfort and convenience, is directly derived from that of Dacia Logan and Dacia Logan MCV: generously sized and more typical of a comfortable C-segment vehicle than a B-segment pick-up. Front and rear visibility is excellent, and Dacia Logan Pick-up has exactly the same driving position and control ergonomics as other Logans. As well as sharing the interior design qualities of the Logan range as a whole, Dacia Logan Pick-up also has its own specific features, such as extensive stowage capacity. In addition to the glovebox, door bins and drink holders under the central console, there’s a huge stowage area behind the seats, measuring close to 300 litres, easily accessible by tipping the driver’s seat (depending on version) or passenger’s seat forward. This in-cabin stowage is ideal for compact or valuable items (such as a toolbox), leaving the bed for heavy and bulky loads. Above this stowage area, near the doors (to avoid impairing visibility), there are two hooks for hanging work clothes. And there’s a net for holding small objects in the middle of the partition, behind the seats. To protect the cabin against load intrusion from the bed, the rear window is fitted as standard with a double-barred partition that can (depending on version) be reinforced with a safety hoop with load restraint. All these devices are, of course, compliant with European standards for light commercial vehicles.

Resourceful, conversion-friendly pick-up

With its pick-up bed offering unlimited loading height, Dacia Logan Pick-up obviously excels in carrying tall loads! In addition, it is sized for optimum utility to demanding trade users and private motorists alike. With a maximum load length of more than 1.80m and a maximum load width of 1.37m, Dacia Logan Pick-up again offers capabilities rarely found in this vehicle category. A sill height of just 64 cm, with the tailgate down, makes for easy loading. And the rear step gives convenient access to the bed. In all, there are 16 anchor points, for safe lashing of any load. There are four fasteners on the bed surround on either side of the vehicle, two hooks on the safety hoop with load restraint, and six rings on the bed floor.

Except for the hooks on the optional safety hoop, all anchor points are standard fitting from the entry-level version up. Because the pick-up format is often used as a base for vehicle conversions, Dacia designed Logan Pick-up from the outset for ready adaptation to applications such as refrigerated, temperature-controlled and large-volume transport. Through forthcoming agreements with conversion specialists, the dealer network will be able to offer quality conversion solutions addressing specific customer needs.

Straightforward vehicle range

Dacia Logan Pick-up will be available in two equipment levels on its various markets. In Romania, the entry-level Logan version, with three-point seatbelts and driver airbag as standard, will come with either a 1.6 MPI petrol or a 70hp 1.5 dCi diesel engine. Then the Pack Confort version, with power steering, electric door locks, tinted windows, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and protective side mouldings, will be available with a choice of three engines: the 1.6 MPI and the 70hp or 85hp 1.5 dCi diesel. Options include air conditioning, radio (CD or CD/MP3) and safety pack (ABS plus passenger airbag).

A wide choice of accessories will be offered from initial release, including a fibreglass bed lining, load organizer, matting, tow hook and parking assist. Interior accessories will include a navigation system, special seat covers and a central armrest.

3. Fresh market openings

Dacia Logan Pick-up primarily focuses on tradespeople and merchants needing a straightforward, practical workhorse vehicle, but it also has a broader appeal, as an ideal vehicle for open-air leisure pursuits. In both cases, motorists will be impressed by its versatility, robustness and affordability. Most carmakers in recent years have tended to disregard the European pick-up market. There are a few large pick-ups, like Nissan’s Navara, but, in marked contrast to the situation on other world markets, lightweight pick-ups are very hard to find. Dacia Logan Pick-up will doubtless fill the vacuum, with its remarkable value for money, true to the Logan concept. Dacia Logan Pick-up will be released in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey in 2008, followed by other markets from 2009.

The fourth Logan made at Pitesti plant

Dacia Logan Pick-up will be made at the Pitesti plant, and share many parts with Logan MCV and Logan Van. Fewer than 100 parts are specific to Dacia Logan Pick­up, which will be made on the same production line as Logan, Logan MCV and Logan Van. In the body shop, an assembly line has been set up to handle portions specific to the pick-up, along with general assembly. The Dacia Logan Pick-up programme has drawn investment totalling €51 million: €22 million on development and €29 million on production plant. In 2007, €100 million were invested at the Pitesti plant, to increase capacity from 235,000 per year in 2006 to 350,000 in 2008. Following work carried out in August, production rate rose from 42 to 60 vehicles per hour.

Over 230,000 Dacias sold in 2007

Dacia sales reached 230,000 vehicles in 2007, 17.4% up on 2006. This was an important year for Dacia, as development took a major step forward with the launch of Logan MCV in 33 new countries (across Europe, and in Algeria Morocco, Turkey,Syria, etc.) and release of Logan Van in Romania and Bulgaria. Less than a year and a half after the car was first launched in Romania, sales of the Logan MCV estate version had risen to account for a third of Dacia sales overall (81,000 units sold by the end of 2007).

Dacia’s expansion will be continuing in 2008, with production startup for Logan Pick­up and Sandero at the Pitesti plant

2009 Dacia Logan Facelift Snapped Off-Guard

Apparently, security measures aren’t that much of an issue at Dacia’s Romanian plant as these cell-phone pics of the restyled Logan Sedan prove. From what we can tell, the Renault Group’s inexpensive compact-sized sedan has received a rather mild facelift that includes redesigned bumpers along with a wider grille up-front and modified tail-lamps at the rear. Logically, the 2009 Logan should go on sale in Europe over the next few months. –Click through for more pics

New Dacia Logan: Subtle Redesignd

Four years after the release of the Dacia Logan, the Renault Group released a facelift version of its successful low-cost sedan. Inspired from the 5door Dacia Sandero, the New Logan features a new front grille paired with a redesigned front bumper and larger headlights. Likewise, the sedan’s rear-end features a new bumper, revised tail-lights and a more streamline design for the boot lid. Renault/Dacia’s designers also updated the Logan’s interior that features new door panels and a revised centre console with new controls. -Continued

In terms of chassis upgrades, the front and rear tracks of New Dacia Logan have been widened 7mm either side, which reinforces the roadholding capabilities of the vehicle. On the passive safety front, the 2009 Logan features a new honeycomb structure for the dashboard which reduces the severity of impact to the knees. There are no changes under the hood with the New Logan being offered with the same petrol engines (1.4 75hp, 1.6 90hp and 1.6 16V 105hp) and diesel engines (1.5 dCi 70hp and 1.5 dCi 85hp) as before.

Too Much of a Stretch? Dacia Logan MCV Limousine

When you think about stretch limos, we sincerely doubt that Dacia is among the brands that come to mind. Still, that hasn't deterred some folks from building one off the Logan MCV, a crossover version of the Renault-Nissan alliance's Romanian low-cost sedan. Details are thin on the project but in the extremely rare case you have nothing else better to do, there's a bunch of computer generated drawings of the interior after the jump.

Source: Daciaclub , Via: Vudu84

Renault Inaugurates New Vehicle Test Center in Romania

The Renault Group has opened a brand new test facility in Titu, Romania. Built on a 330-hectare site located between the Dacia plant in Pitesti and the Renault Technologie Roumanie (RTR) engineering center in Bucharest, the Titu Technical Center will complement the company's Aubevoye and Lardy test centers in France.
According to Renault, the new facility will focus on testing for vehicles and powertrain components from the B0 platform that underpins the low-cost Dacia Logan.
The center is said to have 100 benches for testing vehicles and components such as shock absorbers, running gear and powertrains. The benches can simulate extreme conditions, testing the ability to withstand cold, and simulating sunlight, rain, and other situations.
In addition, the center has ten types of tracks including a speed circuit, uneven road surfaces, an underbody impact zone and wading troughs, which make up a total length of 32 km or about 20 miles.
Renault said the first teams arrived at the Romanian facility in June 2010, and the workforce will increase to 300 people before the end of the year. The first track tests are planned for October 2010.

Romanian Tuning Firm Drops the Top on Dacia Logan

For the time being, Dacia's parent company Renault doesn't seem to have any solid plans to further expand the range of its low-cost Logan subcompact, but that hasn't stopped tuning companies from creating their own unique proposals.
Enter the world of Auto K9, a tuning house based in Romania. The company has just presented its latest creation in the form of a one-off Dacia Logan Convertible study based on the sedan model.
Aside from chopping the roof, the tuning firm also removed the rear doors and extended the front ones. From what we understand, the car doesn't come with a top of any sorts.
Other touches include a bodykit, chunky alloy wheels and a customized interior swathed in white leather plus a high-end audio system.

Source: 4Tuning [Hat tip to Valentin]

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