Logan, Mahindra's entry into passenger car mkt

Mumbai, Apr 3: Mahindra Renault, a joint venture between Mahindra Mahindra (M&M) and Renault of France, today announced the launch of its new car &xD;'Logan' in India.

The Logan debuts in India with a host of class-defying features at an aggressive price. The Logan will roll out from Mahindra's plant at Nashik, which has been upgraded with an installed capacity to produce 50,000 Logan annually.

The Logan redefines its segment in terms of spaciousness as well as performance, technology with the latest generation dCi common rail engine. It has been designed for the Indian market incorporating a contemporary styling and design.

The Logan will be available in both diesel and petrol versions and will be available in selected Mahindra&Mahindra showrooms with Mahindra and Renault branding in major cities across the country.

The price of the vehicle ex-New Mumbai for the Petrol 1.4 and 1.6 versions would range from Rs 4.28 lakhs to Rs 5.69 lakhs. The price for the Diesel 1.5 version would range from Rs 5.47 lakhs to Rs 6.44 lakhs. The same ex-New Delhi will be Rs 4.35 lakhs to 5.76 lakhs for petrol versions and Rs 5.54 lakhs to Rs 6.51 lakhs for Diesel.

Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman&Managing Director, Mahindra&Mahindra Ltd, said ''The Logan is a milestone for us as it marks our entry into the most competitive segment of the automotive market.

The global quality platform of the Logan with its unmatched features makes it a landmark for the Indian car industry. The strengths of Renault and our passion for outperformance and customer centricity have offered a product that will appeal to the evolved Indian customer.'' Carlos Ghosn, President&CEO, Renault SA, said ''This venture is a a new step in Renault's global expansion. It marks the start of Renault sales on the Indian market and sees the first right hand drive version of Logan created to meet the needs of our Indian customers.'' Rajesh Jejurikar, Managing Director, Mahindra Renault Ltd, said ''The Logan packs in the aspirations of the Indian car lover and sets standards in every aspect, space, safety and engine performance. The Logan is a wide bodied car, offers full and comfortable seating for three persons in the rear seat, which sports three separate headrests.

Logan is the only product in its segment that offers these features for the middle passenger in the rear seat. It has a boot capacity of 510 litres, which is the best in its category. Designed to cater to the aspirational requirements of customers, the Logan comes equipped with features that are truly world-class like air bag. Added to this the reliability and robustness of design, plays a key role in Logan's global success since it was launched in 2004.

UNI