10/06/2008 11h02
Design center creates concept car in Brazil
Gazeta Mercantil - 10/06/2008
In the São Paulo International Motor Show, which opens on the 31st this month, Renault is going to show a concept-car that was completely developed by the design and engineering center of the French maker in Brazil. Derived from Sandero and Logan's platform, this prototype will probably be a pick-up truck. "We can not reveal detail, but it will be one of our attractions in our stand", affirmed the president of the Renault in Brazil and Mercosul Jérôme Stoll. Stoll received a group of Brazilian journalists invited by the National Association of the Automotive Vehicles Manufacturers (Anfavea) to visit the International Motor Show of Paris, one of the greatest world events to show the trends and innovations of the automotive industry. Stoll recognized the current difficulties of the European market and affirmed that the corporations tend to give more attention to the markets where operations improve, as Brazil's case. In his opinion, the headquarters' difficulties should not limit the operations in the Country, since the profits obtained in the Country can compensate losses in other markets. "It is logical that we are part of a group with global operations. But I hope the crisis in the European market does not damage our operations in Brazil, which president Carlos Ghosn has already recognized as one of the most important ones for the corporation nowadays", he said. For Stoll, Renault has decided that it will not take backward steps in Brazil anymore, as it happened nearly five years ago, when the brand stopped renovating products and let the resellers' network get destabilized. Stoll affirmed that the investment in Brazil is guaranteed by the profitable operation, even though the headquarters are not willing to send funds. He also said that the company has capital flow that is guaranteed by the Renault International Credit bank, which should guarantee the financing of new investments besides financing products to consumers.
