Renault Sandero Production Starts in Russia

Renault recently started production of the Sandero hatchback in Russia, with operations to be handled by Avtoframos, a joint venture established by the French carmaker with the Moscow government. Production of the Sandero - which is going to replace the Logan sedan in the local market, if we are to trust the recent rumors - will reach its maximum capacity in February next year, while the first units will be delivered in the next few months.

According to insideline.com citing various Russian media reports, Renault invested a total of $150 million in the local plants, which is going to build around 160,000 cars per year.

The Russian-bound Sandero range will comprise two gasoline engine, 1.4- and 1.6-liter four-cylinder, and a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. A diesel variant is out of the question for the time being as the Russian market is still relying on petrol units.

Russian pricing will start at $10,100, while the top-of-the-range Sandero will be priced at around $13,700.

Renault is also pondering Russian production of Dacia's recently-revealed SUV Duster, some voices hinting that such a scenario might become reality in 2011.

On the other hand, Renault's budget-minded Logan managed to overtake Ford Focus and take the leading position in the top-selling foreign car chart in Russia. According to data provided by Autonews, the Logan is now the Russian leader with 5,131 units sold in November, followed by Focus with 3,348 units.

This means Renault's low-cost sedan entered the top 3 best selling models in Russia, the source added. As for October, Renault sold 5,076 units of the Logan over 3,677 units for the Focus.