Mahindra Renault plans two new launches this year

French car maker Renault is looking to introduce up to two new models in India with its partner Mahindra & Mahindra this year, although it has indefinitely postponed plans to launch products from its Chennai facility.

"Our Nashik facility (capacity) is under-utilised. We are actively looking at introducing one or two new models from the plant in this year in order to have better utilisation of the capacity," a Renault India spokesperson said.

Renault's joint venture with M&M -- Mahindra Renault Pvt Ltd -- currently makes the Logan at the Nashik plant, which has an installed capacity of 50,000 units per year annum. It had produced 14,404 units in 2008-09 compared to 26,653 units in the previous fiscal due to fall in domestic car demand.

"We want to fully utilise the capacity," the official said, but declined to give details of the forthcoming launches.

Besides, the domestic market, the cars would also be exported to neighbouring countries, he added.

Renault had indefinitely put on hold introducing its cars in the Indian market from its upcoming Chennai plant on account of global slowdown, which has affected the firm's worldwide operations.