The Renault-Nissan Alliance showcases important new models in Moscow

SEP

2014

Renault-Nissan Alliance Team

The Renault-Nissan Alliance showcases important new models in Moscow

With a world premiere model from an entirely new brand, the launch of four more important new models – including the country’s first locally built hybrid – and the unveiling of a stunning new GT racer, the Renault-Nissan Alliance had a busy Moscow International Autosalon (MIAS) this month.

Among the big news was the first appearance of the new Datsun brand at MIAS. Offering Japanese quality in an affordable package, the new Datsun on-DO sedan was joined by the sporting Datsun mi-DO hatchback, which was given its world debut at the show.

Other newcomers launched at the show were the new C-segment Nissan Sentra saloon and the petrol/electric hybrid Nissan Pathfinder SUV. The spotlight on the Renault stand, meanwhile, fell on the Renault Sandero hatchback and the Renault Sandero Stepway, a dynamic new SUV for the adventurous.

Both Renaults, the Datsuns and the Nissan Sentra will be built in Russia by AVTOVAZ, in which the Alliance has a majority stake, while the Pathfinder will be built at Nissan’s plant in St Petersburg. Together these new models will help the Alliance achieve its target of 90 percent localization by 2016.

Perhaps the most dramatic at MIAS, though, was the spectacular Renault Sport R.S. 01. With concept car looks, a 500+hp 3.8-litre V6 engine derived from the Nissan GT-R mounted amidships and advanced aerodynamics, the R.S. 01 will star in its own Renault Sport Trophy series in 2015. The series for ‘Pro-Am’ teams will provide opportunities for champions to go on to race in Japan’s Super GT series and at Le Mans.

To read the full Nissan report, click here. Renault’s press kit is available here.