New Delhi, April 26, 2008: After Logan completes one year in the domestic market, Mahindra-Renault is set to drive the sedan into the overseas market. “We are exploring right-hand drive markets like South Asia, and Africa amongst others to export the Logan. We plan to start exports this year,” said Mr Nalin Mehta, Chief Operating Officer, Mahindra-Renault Pvt Ltd, at a media interaction here. He declined to quantify the exports that the company expects to do, stating that it was early to comment as markets still had to be identified.

Mahindra-Renault also plans to offer Logan in the CNG and the LPG variant later this year. “There is a growing demand for gas-based variants and we would make it available in the coming months and in certain cities it would be available earlier,” said Mr Mehta.

Eyes more segments
When asked about the company’s product expansion plans, he said, “We are looking to be a serious player and have plans to be present in more segments.” Last year, the company sold 25,890 units of the Logan, taking its production to full capacity in the first year of operations. The plant has the capacity to ramp up production further depending on market conditions, said Mr Mehta.

While the company did not give any precise number on its outlook for the year, Mr Mehta said that the coming year was going to be tougher. “But since we are new in this game and our product lifecycle has not matured, we would be on a growth mode,” he added. The company is expanding its dealership network to 156 in the current fiscal, up from 94, thereby expanding its presence from 94 cities to 136.