May 28: Another player?

Big news and news that has been in the making for sometime. Recognize this corporate symbol? If you said anything but the French car company, Renault, then you'd be wrong.

For the past few years, FCA (Fiat Chrysler) has been searching for a partner and we're not talking sex here, we are talking about survival. The late head of FCA, Sergio Marchionne, had approached other companies for a merger, as he felt one needed to be a big player in the global auto business, as opposed to being a bit player (and possibly be headed for the corporate graveyard). With all the changes happening these days, having two or more companies sharing R & D would give them a competitive advantage, while saving mucho dinero.

So back to Renault and the just announced merger proposal between these two companies. Advantage to FCA is Renault's EV development. Advantage to Renault is FCA's presence in North America. It would seem to be a marriage made in heaven.

Renault knows that Peugeot is headed this way, so with this new combo, maybe Renault could beat them to the punch. And if this is their end game, what could Renault bring to our market? Well, I'm glad you asked, since making vast unfounded assumptions is my forte. Let's take a walk thru this French company's product line and cherry pic a few possibilities.........

Captur - small suv

 

Scenic - compact suv

Koleos - large suv

From top to bottom, small to large, Renault has some very interesting suv's and we all know, that in order to scratch and claw your way into our market, one has to offer an suv or several. But what else might find a home here?

How about a hot hatch? 

Megane RS

Hyundai is adding a couple to the mix to take on the iconic VW GTI, so maybe the juicy little Megane RS might nab a few buyers on their way to the VW dealership? It certainly looks better than the looks the same while continually evolving VW.

Now for some dreaming in technicolour. How about a neat little wagon version of the Megane RS?

 Sure, wagons don't sell, but they look so good. Maybe throw an all-wheel drive system under it and do the old Volvo Cross Country trick. Voila', instant and great selling suv. Following along in that vein, may I present the Talisman estate........

And since FCA is suffering through a dearth of sedans, why not bring over this Talisman as well........

Better looking than anything FCA is selling over here these days. No Hemi? No problem? Sedans still sell in the millions, so why not try to get a small chunk of that market with a car that is already on sale in Europe?

Crystal balling for certain, but if this Renault/FCA marriage comes to pass, I have no doubt the former will look to trying out the huge North American marketplace one more time. Can't let the soon to arrive Chinese have all the fun.


Until next time.......