Do you think that Carlos Ghosn the renault president is mad?

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

According to his plans, renault is going to launch five new renault models into the premium class from the minimum 27000€ price in order to challenge against mercedes and BMW. Thus, the renault´s expectations is to increase their value by spreading the range into 26 different models, and everything !!!! within four years!!!!

Furthermore, the next coming new model is going to be the new laguna, and they are expecting to get the laguna among the three best cars in the segment; in addition, Carlos Ghosn stated that the Renault Laguna launch is going to be their best step in order to aim their premium class

Naturally, he was asked by the journalists if his new policy is risky, too ambitous whatsoever; however he has been mentioning that his situation in Nissan was very similar when it wasnt making any profit, and his innovative idea made nissan a solvent company

Although probably he is saying some accurate and real objetives; I dont think that renault will get the BMW and Mercedes prestige only in four years at all, and IMO its not enough to produce good cars, original (in terms of originality the french are the bests) or reliable; for me at least they have to be the first when launching the new technologies for the cars as mercedes, BMW or even Audi did in many times in their main cars

[TransAm]

Extremely optimistic maybe, but not quite in the realms of madness just yet

[Ghostbat]

Well Audi managed to step up to the premuim segment so I guss renault could do it too.

[Mers]

the french will buy them over peugeot..

But he has to get it just right

[Sir_GT]

If anything, he needs a USP (unique selling point) to get Renault noticed. Mercedes always had the badge-slash-snob appeal (and for a time, unsurpassed build quality), BMW always pushed their driving dynamics and reliability, and Audi always talks about their quattro technology and their interiors.

So I wonder what card Renault is going to play.

[Mers]

Originally Posted by Sir_GT If anything, he needs a USP (unique selling point) to get Renault noticed. Mercedes always had the badge-slash-snob appeal (and for a time, unsurpassed build quality), BMW always pushed their driving dynamics and reliability, and Audi always talks about their quattro technology and their interiors. So I wonder what card Renault is going to play.

I'd say design...

[Sir_GT]

Originally Posted by Mers Originally Posted by Sir_GT If anything, he needs a USP (unique selling point) to get Renault noticed. Mercedes always had the badge-slash-snob appeal (and for a time, unsurpassed build quality), BMW always pushed their driving dynamics and reliability, and Audi always talks about their quattro technology and their interiors. So I wonder what card Renault is going to play. I'd say design...

Their designer (Patrick Le Quement I believe is his name) is very good, but I've yet to see anything from him that would be considered "business-class" like what the big 3 German marques provide.

Let's see what they do.

[Shinigami]

Originally Posted by Mers Originally Posted by Sir_GT If anything, he needs a USP (unique selling point) to get Renault noticed. Mercedes always had the badge-slash-snob appeal (and for a time, unsurpassed build quality), BMW always pushed their driving dynamics and reliability, and Audi always talks about their quattro technology and their interiors. So I wonder what card Renault is going to play. I'd say design...

I find Renaults downright ugly... they're gonna have to work quite hard on "design" to cause an impact.

People buy French cars mostly because they're cheap. The average French salary is quite low, so their cars sell over there. But if the average French person could choose, he'd be going for another marque for sure.

[Sir_GT]

Looks like they'll have to find another selling point. Audi's just started going all out with their design theme. They've been sponsoring stuff on GQ, ES, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and various London newspapers that carry fashion-related articles and pull-outs.

My my. Audi and high fashion. And to think that a certain forum member used to accuse BMW of being the brand for pretty boys.

[1zippo1]

Originally Posted by Ghostbat Well Audi managed to step up to the premuim segment so I guss renault could do it too.

True but it was possible then, it isn't anymore.

I've allways heard Carlos Ghosn was a great manager, but I think he's making a mistake with this. A better solution would be to bring back a premium brand and use that. It would cost more money, but it would be more effective as well.

[ae86_16v]

Originally Posted by 1zippo1 Originally Posted by Ghostbat Well Audi managed to step up to the premuim segment so I guss renault could do it too. True but it was possible then, it isn't anymore. I've allways heard Carlos Ghosn was a great manager, but I think he's making a mistake with this. A better solution would be to bring back a premium brand and use that. It would cost more money, but it would be more effective as well.

I always thought Audi was a premium brand? Maybe my automotive history is wrong.

But yeah, he is a great manager for sure. But could he pull this one off? Hard to say, it might be better if Renault uses another brand that already has the luxury image. Much like how the Japanese segmented the market with their luxury brands and kind of like how the US companies are trying now.

Risky business for sure!

[crayzayjay]

Mad? No. He's the best car boss around.

[Mattk]

5 premium cars? He's mad! Renault can't even produce regularly-priced cars well.