Renault is putting more focus on Latin America as it looks for growth outside Europe. Morocco remains part of the carmaker’s main markets, but there is no new Moroccan project linked to its latest pickup. The French group unveiled the Niagara pickup as part of a plan to grow sales in Latin America, India and South Korea. More than 70% of Renault’s sales came from Europe in the first half of the year. The company wants to become less dependent on the European market and plans to launch eight new models outside Europe by 2027.
Renault groups Europe, Turkey and Morocco together as its established markets. Morocco has two major Renault production plants in Tangier and Casablanca.
The Niagara will not be built in Morocco. Production will take place at Renault’s Santa Isabel plant in Córdoba, Argentina. The factory can produce up to 125,000 vehicles a year.
Renault plans to sell the pickup mainly in Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Pickups can make up as much as 30% of car sales in some Latin American markets.
The Niagara will replace the Oroch and compete with vehicles such as the Fiat Toro, Ford Maverick, Chevrolet Montana and Ram Rampage.
Frédéric Clermont, Renault’s vice-president for LCV Products, said: “While we are an outsider in this segment, we bring deep historical expertise in commercial vehicles.”
The pickup has a double cab and a cargo bed. Renault is targeting both business users and private customers.
The first version will use a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with up to 160 horsepower. Hybrid versions will follow.
Brazil was Renault’s seventh-largest market worldwide in the first half of the year. Argentina ranked 13th. When Europe, Turkey and Morocco are excluded, Brazil becomes Renault’s largest market and Argentina its fourth largest.
Renault’s plants in Morocco will continue to focus on existing high-volume models. The Casablanca plant produces the Renault Kardian, as well as Dacia Logan and Sandero. The Tangier plant produces models including the Dacia Jogger and Sandero.
The new strategy therefore gives Latin America a bigger role in Renault’s growth plans, while Morocco remains an important part of its existing production network.
