Renault Logan Rolls Out in South America

Renault continues its drive to make the Logan a true global car with a South American rollout. Local production has started in Brazil, and sales have been launched all over the region — including further north in Mexico. The Logan is badged as a Renault nearly everywhere, but in Mexico it is being sold as a Nissan Aprio.

Renault's Sao Jose dos Pinhais factory will churn out 40,000 Logan sedans this year and 60,000 units next year. About 60 percent will go to export markets. Just as it does in Central Europe, Logan competes with GM-Daewoo products assembled by local plants.

Renault's marketing tactics in South America include linking up with the Carrefour supermarket chain in Brazil and offering a three-year/100,000-kilometer guarantee on new cars.

In Mexico, the Logan is sold as a Nissan because Renault does not have a presence in the country, while the Nissan brand has been around for decades and has a strong reputation — enhanced by several generations of the popular Sentra. Before the Logan's arrival, another cheap Renault sedan, the Clio Symbol, was built and sold in Mexico as the Nissan Platina.

Prices in any of these countries will be kept under the equivalent of €10,000, or about $13,800.