Renault Considering Stateside Return

French carmaker Renault will step back into the North American market in the next few years and introduce a low-budget range that is projected to return a significant market share in a struggling region. Gerard Detourbet, head of Renault's entry-level vehicle division, told WSJ that the French company might indeed come back in the United States but a final decision on the matter is yet to be made.

One of the first models to be launched in the United States is the recently-presented Duster, an SUV manufactured by Renault's Romanian brand, Dacia. However, in case it will indeed make it to the states, the car will be rebadged as a Renault and will undergo several modifications to comply with local regulations. Additionally, Renault will probably introduce some new engines, with greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, modifications that would probably increase the final price of the car.

In Europe, the Duster will be offered in either 4x4 or 4x2 drive configurations, with a choice of three engines, one petrol and two diesel. The petrol version is a 1.6l 16V unit, developing 110 hp, while the diesel ones come with the promise of 85 and 105 hp.

Besides Duster, Renault might also consider introducing the successful Logan series in the United States, as the low-budget model proved to be extremely popular in several regions of the world, especially during difficult economic times. Just like the Duster, the Logan would have to undergo US-required modifications which, once again, would raise the final price.

Still, Renault is yet to comment on the report and, in case the company is indeed pondering such a move, you won't see the French manufacturer selling cars in the US sooner than 2013 or 2014.