Photo: Dacia
According to a recent report, a Renault spokesman has confirmed three Dacia models and their derivatives could all be headed towards the executioner's proverbial axe. We're talking about the Dokker, Lodgy and Logan MCV, workhorses that have failed to reach the same levels of popularity as their mainstream cousins.
French publication Les Echoes first published the report, which was later confirmed by the unnamed Renault official. The fate of all three Dacia models hangs in the balance as parent company Renault might want to move things in a totally different direction: SUV across different niches.
Dacia sales are up 30% so far this year, thanks largely to increased demand for the Logan, Sandero and Duster. Despite the model being relatively well known, the Lodgy compact minivan dropped 44% in the first half of 2014.
Part of the problem could be that all three cars lack global appeal, unlike the Duster, which has spread from India to Brazil or Russia. It could also be the case that cut-price competition is much higher in the light commercial vehicle segment.
Automotive News Europe reports that Dacia's operational profit could be as high as 9%, above that of Volkswagen and in line with premium brands like BMW. Having too many ill-performing models could affect the brand's future bottom line. But considering the Dokker, Lodgy and Logan MCV are still less than two years old, their future is secure for the time being.
In spite of this report, Renault's actions seem to suggest commitment to the Dokker and Lodgy models, both of which are receiving Stepway models next week during the Paris Motor Show.
Dacia sales are up 30% so far this year, thanks largely to increased demand for the Logan, Sandero and Duster. Despite the model being relatively well known, the Lodgy compact minivan dropped 44% in the first half of 2014.
Part of the problem could be that all three cars lack global appeal, unlike the Duster, which has spread from India to Brazil or Russia. It could also be the case that cut-price competition is much higher in the light commercial vehicle segment.
Automotive News Europe reports that Dacia's operational profit could be as high as 9%, above that of Volkswagen and in line with premium brands like BMW. Having too many ill-performing models could affect the brand's future bottom line. But considering the Dokker, Lodgy and Logan MCV are still less than two years old, their future is secure for the time being.
One might be safe
It's especially true for the Logan MCV, which has gone from having a commercial vehicle design to a pure estate and in doing so increased its popularity. Renault has said that through August it has sold almost 24,000 MCVs, compared to just over 10,000 in the same period of last year.In spite of this report, Renault's actions seem to suggest commitment to the Dokker and Lodgy models, both of which are receiving Stepway models next week during the Paris Motor Show.
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