Logan: A programme to win new international ... - Dacia Club

1PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATIONLogan: A programme to winnew international customersfor the profitable growthof the Renault groupThe best of Renault technology for a modern, reliable car that a broad range ofinternational buyers can afford.Logan, a three-box saloon, is the first model in the X90 range, designed first andforemost to suit the automobile needs of new markets with high growth potential.Logan was developed entirely by Renault over the past four years, using all engineeringexpertise department. The use of the design-to-cost method in designingthe vehicle, carry-over of parts to optimize reliability and running costs, and digitaldesign made it possible to meet the very low programme costs set at the start of theproject. As the production of a modern vehicle was at the core of specifications,Logan was developed on the B platform used by the Renault-Nissan Alliance for theNissan Micra and Renault Modus.In addition to the Logan programme costs, Renault has invested €489 million inthe X90 programme. Most of that sum was devoted to modernizing Dacia’s manufacturingfacilities. In addition to the Pitesti pilot plant in Romania, Logan isscheduled for production at other, highly competitive production sites in Russia,Morocco, Colombia and Iran. On some markets (Russia, Iran, Colombia), whereRenault has a limited presence, Logan will be winning new customers for theRenault brand. On other markets, the car will carry the Dacia badge.Modern, spacious and very competitively priced, Logan offers unrivalled roominessin its price segment. It seats five comfortably and boasts an extremely largeboot. Specifications fully deliver the reliability and robustness required by Logan’sconditions of use (extreme climates, road networks of varying quality...). Itsmodern and attractive design are in line with international standards. Logan hasall the fundamentals of a modern vehicle, with dynamic features and safetyspecifications that meet European standards.

Logan will go on sale in Romania in September 2004, then in some 30 countries bySeptember 2005. The aim of the programme is to sell 700,000 vehicles a yearby 2010. That will make a very significant contribution to the Renault group’soverall target of 4 million vehicles.

3ContentsChapter 1 A vehicle for specific conditions in targeted markets p. 5• Record spaciousness p. 5• Reliability and robustness beyond reproach p. 5• A resolutely international design p. 6Chapter 2 All the fundamentals of a modern vehicle p. 9• Safety features in line with European standards p. 9• Travelling pleasur p. 11• Modern powertrains p. 12• Contemporary design p. 14Chapter 3 Making and selling Logan close to the markets p. 17• An international manufacturing project p. 17• A practical sales strategy tailored to the markets p. 17• A full range of services p. 17• Logan at the heart of Central and East European markets p. 18

5CHAPTER 1A vehicle for specific conditionsin targeted marketsRecord spaciousnessThe customer groups targeted by Logan are mainlyfamilies, most of whom have only one vehicle. Loganwill also appeal to the business market, particularlyfor use as a taxi.The boot volume of 510 litres is best in class. TheHyundai Accent and Daewoo Lanos Sedan provide321 and 395 litres respectively. Moreover, the shapeof the boot enables a wide variety of different-shapeditems to be loaded.Photois de juin : n° 013The car’s generous dimensions make it exceptionallyspacious. Its length (4250mm, compared to the KiaRio Sedan’s 4215mm), width (1735mm, compared to1670mm for the Hyundai Accent) and height(1525mm, compared to 1495 for the Chevrolet /Daewoo Kalos) are unrivalled in saloons in the B-entry segment , and are in fact closer to the norms forthe C segment. Logan’s roomy interior is another pluspoint, and the rear seats were the subject of specialattention. Three very tall passengers (those who fallinto the 95th percentile of over 1.90 metres) can beseated in comfort with headroom of 25mm.Reliability and robustnessbeyond reproachIn countries that are a priority target for Logan, customersdrive about 20,000 kilometres a year. A car’sfirst owner keeps it for an average of five to six years,and over eight years in some countries. That meansrobustness and low running and maintenance costsare a top priority.Footroom is also generous, with a width of 420mm.Customers in very cold countries will find plenty ofroom for bulky winter clothing and shoes. Kneeroomis 185mm on average, compared to 173mm for theChevrolet / Daewoo Kalos. Rear shoulder room is aremarkable 1420mm, close to that of Vel Satis andmore than Logan’s rivals (1342mm for the Chevrolet /Daewoo Kalos). Getting into and out of the car is alsovery easy thanks to wide-opening, generously proportioneddoors.The project team refused to compromise on reliabilityand durability. All the technical decisions weremade with this in mind, on the basis of a design thatemphasized simplicity.The 1.4l and 1.6l eight-valve engines (the K-series)and JH gearbox have already proved their worth in theRenault range, especially in overseas export markets.Renault’s engineers worked closely with suppliers,and a daily check was introduced to ensure that partsfor the new model complied with specifications.1The B-Entry segment covers vehicles, usually older models, whichfall into the C segment by size and the B segment by price.

Logan was subjected to stringent tests covering a verywide variety of driving conditions. Renault engineersdrove 470,000 kilometres on the “overseas export”circuit at the company’s road-proving ground inAubevoye, Normandy. The circuit features an abundanceof dust, stones and fords with a view to wearingout vehicles three times faster than they would do onstandard European roads.The engineers focused on simple, practical techniquesfor easy servicing. The headlamp bulbs canbe easily reached from the engine compartment, sothat customers can change them themselves.A resolutely international design"Logan will be on the roads of all the continents. FromSouth America to Asia via Eastern Europe and Africa,it will have to cope with conditions that are as variedas they are demanding. So the specifications tookaccount of requirements in the most difficult countries,from the hottest to the coldest", said LucAlexandre Ménard, Renault’s Senior Vice President,International Operations, and Chairman of Dacia.Logan was tested in extreme temperatures on climatictest benches at the Aubevoye and Lardy technicaltesting centres – the final stage before the car wassent to the Arctic Circle and tropical countries forreal-life trials.Logan’s heating and air conditioning systems aretherefore suitable for climates as extreme as those ofRussia and the Gulf states. They were developedaccording to the same specifications as those used forthe Clio sold in Mexico.Logan has a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.Bodywork is protected by injecting wax into the boxsections, systematic waterproofing of the externalcabin joints and reinforced underbody gravel protection.The new vehicle is competitively priced and inexpensiveto run. Maintenance costs were the subject ofclose study. Using Renault technology, the engineersmanaged to extend the intervals between services. Onsome markets, for instance, the oil, spark plugs andair filter are changed only every 30,000 kilometres.

7Thermal comfort is the same throughout the car,including the rear seats. Short ducts in the frontensure excellent distribution of warm or cool air topassengers’ feet. In the back, the air distribution issuited to countries that have harsh winters. The systemhas a twin-pipe outlet like the one in Mégane II, andis compatible with the use of snow trays beneathpassengers’ feet.Because the engine warms quickly and suppliessufficient heat, additional heating is not needed. Theair conditioning unit is taken from B-platform vehicles,with certain adaptations made specially forLogan. It is very compact, freeing up space in thecockpit. The upper and lower vents ensure optimumdistribution of air flows.Logan is also suitable for difficult road surfaces. The155mm ground clearance is 20mm higher than that ofa vehicle designed for use in Western Europe. Thatmeans it can be driven on uneven road surfaces, insteep mountain areas and even on dirt tracks at moderatespeed without any damage. The powertrains, airconditioning and opening panels were all designed foran environment where dust is everywhere.The engines can run on fuel of widely differing quality.They are designed for 95-octane fuel, but have alsobeen approved for use with 87-octane and 91-octanefuel. Tests have also checked that the powertrainsfunction with a starting temperature of minus 30°C.Logan complies with the standards in force in theEuropean Union. Both engine options (75hp 1.4l and90hp 1.6l) were developed in line with the most recentemission control standards and have Euro 4 approval.Logan also complies with European standards asregards front and side impacts. More restrictive legislationin some countries means the specifications areeven stricter there. This is the case in Saudi Arabia,which has particularly demanding standards for rearimpacts.For external noise, Logan is in accordance with thethreshold set by the relevant European directive(74db). In this respect, the vehicle follows the commitmentmade by Renault since the launch of Laguna II:to make its vehicles even quieter than required by law.Recyling materials was also taken into account.Logan is 95% recyclable in terms of weight, as currentlegislation demands.

9CHAPTER 2All the fundamentalsof a modern vehicleSafety features in line with EuropeanstandardsLogan was the subject of intensive work regardingsafety. Renault’s safety engineers made every effort tofind different solutions from those usually adopted formore conventional cars to provide features very closeto those of the latest-generation Renault models.Digital technology has made it possible to drop severalphysical stages in the development process. “Theuse of digital simulation meant we could check thecar’s resistance to impacts and eliminate risks earlyon in the process. Those findings were confirmed bycrash tests conducted on the final versions of thevehicle”, said Jean-Marc Dubois, the project’s PassiveSafety Manager.Logan has benefited from Renault’s acknowledgedexpertise in impact resistance. The vehicle’s structurecrumples to disperse the kinetic energy generated bya crash. When a frontal impact occurs, the layout ofthe engine compartment has been designed to allowstacking of the powertrain components. In the upperpart of the vehicle, the load passes through the cowlside reinforcement, door pillar and door panels. Inthe middle, the load is taken up by the front crossmember.Finally, the lower part of the car absorbsenergy through a subframe which is connected to thelongeron at six points.

The dashboard is also of major importance in providingcrash protection in frontal impacts. Its honeycombstructure, made of highly absorbent polypropylene,lowers the risk of knee injury should an impact occur.The rounded lower part and glove compartment lidare shaped to spread the load on passengers’ legsand ankles, while the structure of the seats maintainsthe pelvis in an appropriate position to cope with animpact. Underfoot padding for both driver and frontpassenger provides added protection for the legs.In the event of a side impact, the central pillar protectsthe pelvis, complementing the lateral resistanceprovided by the seats and door padding.Rear impacts were also the focus of attention. Thefuel tank is located under the floorpan, away from therear suspension, so there is less chance of it beingpierced by the underbody or suspension components.A cross-member in the back of the rear bench seatrestricts the danger of objects in the boot entering thecabin.Seat belts are a car’s main passive safety feature.Research has shown that if everyone wore them,between 8,000 and 10,000 lives could be saved everyyear in Europe alone. Logan has three-point beltsand headrests for all seats. The front belts can beheight-adjusted for occupants of different sizes. Twospecially-designed airbags, for the driver and passenger,are available as options. They are equipped withvents that regulate internal pressure and restrict theload on the occupants.

11Logan ensures safety for passengers of all sizes andages. Both front-facing and rear-facing child seatscan be fitted in all three rear seats as well as the frontpassenger seat. The airbag can be disconnected usinga switch on the dashboard when a child is travelling inthe front, and a reminder light comes on.The vehicle has MacPherson-type front suspensionwith a wishbone link, based on the system used in ClioII. The rear suspension is an H-section torsion beamwith programmed layout, combined with helicalsprings and vertical dampers.Suspension travel is greater than that in vehiclesintended for the West European market. Extensiveresearch into the stiffness of the front and rearsprings restricts body movements, especially roll,giving Logan similar ride comfort to that of an entrylevelClio. On the top versions, the chassis has a frontanti-roll bar for enhanced body control. These vehiclesare also equipped with hydraulic power-assistedsteering, ABS and 15-inch wheels.Travelling pleasureLogan has mechanical steering on the entry-levelversions and power-assisted steering on the top versions.The mechanical steering was developed to providethe best possible compromise between ride comfortand driving precision. The power-assisted steering,in conjunction with the fitment of a front anti-rollbar, delivers superior handling and improvesmanoeuvring. Logan’s turning circle is 10.50 metres –the same as that of Mégane II.Driving pleasure depends on accurate handling andprecise steering, but also on the ergonomics of thedriving position. All the data displayed can be taken inat a glance. An alphanumeric display in the centre ofthe dashboard brings together warning lights anddata supplied by the onboard computer.Logan is fitted with disc brakes in front and drumbrakes at the rear. It has the Bosch 8.0 ABS system –the same as Mégane II – with Electronic BrakeDistribution, which takes full advantage of the rearaxle’s braking potential.

Logan’s ergonomic driving position benefits fromB-platform architecture. The driver is ideally positionedin line with the steering wheel and pedals,making driving more comfortable.The car body was designed using digital technology.Numerous calculations concerning vibrations andacoustics helped to keep noise levels low. Mechanicalnoise was the focus of special attention throughoutthe development process, with high-frequencysounds filtered for maximum homogeneity. Logan’sair conditioning and ventilation systems are amongthe quietest in the segment, at 51db and 49db respectively.Modern powertrainsLogan will be launched with a choice of two petrolengines: the 75hp 1.4l and 90hp 1.6l. A 65hp 1.5 dCidiesel option will be available in 2005, as well as a107hp 1.6l 16V petrol unit.“We used several decisive criteria in choosing theengines: cost, durability, versatility and ease of maintenance”,said Alain Picard, Engine DevelopmentProject Manager. The eight-valve engines in the K7series have already proved their worth in severalRenault vehicles, and are still used on the Clio Saloonand Kangoo. They feature substantial torque at lowspeeds, available over a broad range from 3,000rpmto 4,500rpm.The 75hp 1.4l engine delivers power output of55kw (75hp) at 5,500rpm and torque of 112Nm at3,000rpm.The 90hp 1.6l unit supplies 64kw (90hp) at5,500rpm and 128Nm at 3,000rpm. Both engines arehooked up to the five-speed manual gearbox usedin Laguna II and Mégane II.

13On the 75hp 1.4l and 90hp 1.6l versions, the ratios areshorter on the first three gears for better step-off andacceleration at low speeds or when the vehicle isheavily loaded. The top two gears focus more on fueleconomy and quiet operation. The maximum speed ofthe 90hp 1.6l unit is 175kph and can accelerate from0-100kph in 11.5 seconds.The engines put Logan among the best in class interms of fuel economy, with consumption of 6.8l inthe combined cycle, or 164g of CO 2 /km for the 75hp1.4l unit.Several parts have been redesigned as part of the“design to cost” method, such as the camshaft of the75hp 1.4l engine, which now has shoe-type rockerarms – simpler and more economical than the rollertypesystem. The engineers decided to improve torqueat low speeds by redesigning the profile of the cams.Despite its generous dimensions, Logan is a relativelightweight. The entry-level version with the 75hp 1.4lengine tips the scales at only 975kg. This contributesto performance and fuel economy on a par with othervehicles in the Renault range.

Contemporary design“We had all-round designers working on the project,combining sound technical knowledge with a creativeapproach to provide ingenious solutions to the projectgoals”, said Ken Melville, Director, Medium and DaciaCar Programmes Design.The challenge for Logan’s exterior was to design amodern, stylish vehicle that both fitted in with the waycars are used in the target countries and compliedwith the ceiling on manufacturing costs. The choice ofa three-box body seemed obvious from the startbecause it is regarded as a status symbol in emergingeconomies. The design expresses robustness andquality, with clearly accented wheel arches, taut bodysides and a sculptured bonnet. Form and function areindissociable: the shape of the boot provides a lowloading platform and is protected by the boot liningfrom the upper part of the rear bumper. The rear lampclusters, set at an angle, smooth out the car’s structurededges.The frontal styling highlights the new Dacia brandidentity, first seen on the Solenza, and is a window onthe brand’s future models. The new badge stands outprominently on the grille. Smooth headlamp coversunderscore the modern look of the front of the vehicle.Particular care was paid to the interior design. Bothfit and finish and the materials used echo the robustnessand quality of the exterior. A dashboard mouldedin one piece was chosen because it does away withthe problem of clearance, the screws that keep it inplace can be concealed, and durability is assured. Thecentral console groups controls such as air conditioningand radio buttons, all easy to reach and operate.The discreet, functional design adds to the enjoymentof travelling in Logan. The steering wheel dials andcontrols enhance the vehicle’s dynamic, modernappearance and the cockpit, focusing on the driver,clearly expresses driving pleasure.

15The various versions in the Logan range can be recognizedat first glance, sending a clear signal to customers.The Ambiance version stands out from theentry-level version with the lower part of the bumpersbody-coloured, chrome-look trim on the grille, protectiveside mouldings and distinctive hubcaps.The top version, Lauréat, has fully body-colouredbumpers, 15” wheels, a short strip of chrome beadingaround the grille and integral foglamps.In addition to these three versions, specific versionsmay be introduced for some countries. The interiorsof the different versions are differentiated by lighteror darker shades of material and by specific treatmentof the central console. Two colour schemes areavailable: medium charcoal and nutmeg. Differentupholstery fabrics are used, and in some versions thefabric also features on the door panels. The design ofthe hubcaps and aluminium wheels reinforces theconcept of steps up through the versions.Logan is painted with bright, new, contemporarycolours such as Aegean Blue and Fern Green, with ametallic finish.

17CHAPTER 3Making and selling Logan closeto the marketsAn international manufacturing project“The X90 project forms part of Renault’s internationalgrowth strategy, which is targeting worldwide productionof over 700,000 units of this model by 2010”, saidGérard Detourbet, Vice President, Worldwide X90Programme. Production of Logan at Dacia’s Pitestiplant will start the programme in Romania this year.In 2005 it will continue in Russia, then Morocco andColombia, and in 2006 in Iran. Assembly of Logan inRussia, Morocco and Iran will use CKD parts suppliedby the Pitesti pilot site, with some mechanical componentssupplied by Renault’s industrial sites. In additionto these countries, other international prospectsare opening up for the X90 project.A practical sales strategy tailoredto the marketsLogan is a 100% Renault car (technology, development,chassis, powertrain, manufacturing standards),particularly suited to its target markets. Its modernity,reasonable price, loading capacity, five full-sizeseats and ease of repairs and maintenance are its keystrengths. Logan will carry the Renault badge in somemarkets, such as Russia and Iran, underscoring thecompany’s faith in the product.Whether the Dacia or Renault badge is used willdepend on the characteristics of each market and onhow long and in what circumstances Renault hasbeen established there.The Dacia brand will help to conquer new customertarget groups. Dacia, with its new brand identity as amodern, ambitious company and new badge, will beselling a range of modern, robust, reliable and affordablevehicles. In the countries of Central Europe, aswell as in Turkey, northern Africa, the Middle East andsub-Saharan Africa, Logan will be marketed underthe Dacia brand to round out Renault’s range. It willbe positioned in the entry-level segment, which in acountry like Poland accounts for 30% of the total marketand is hardly covered by the current Renaultrange.In other countries such as Iran, where Renault is notestablished, the segmentation issue is less important.The features of these markets (income, rate of carownership, what is available from local automakers)make Logan suitable for a broad base of customersbuying their first car. In these cases, it will be marketedunder the Renault brand.A full range of servicesRenault’s financial services, run by RCI Banque andits subsidiaries, will provide specific proposals forprospective Logan buyers, depending on the country.For aftersales service, the Dacia Spare Parts Centrewill supply all Logan’s markets. The centre, which hashandled all distribution of genuine spare parts andaccessories for the Dacia brand since May 2003,manages more than 20,000 Dacia, Renault and Nissanitems. Located in Bradu, near the Pitesti plant, itemploys about 100 staff and represents investment of€14 million. The centre has direct access to majorroad networks and is near the Pitesti customs point.Dacia is also planning to develop a full range of accessoriesfrom items such as towbars and roof bars tomud flaps, with the support of Renault’s Parts andAccessories Division.

Logan at the heart of Central and EastEuropean marketsAfter Romania, Central Europe will be the focus forLogan sales, with the backing of the Renault network.Renault was the second top-selling brand in theregion in 2003, with market share of 11%.Marketing of Logan will be backed up by a range ofservices covering sales, finance and aftersales.Specific finance offers have been devised by RCIBanque. From 2005 the future Renault-Nissan spareparts centre in Györ, Hungary, will become a regionalhub for supplying Dacia spare parts to the countries ofCentral Europe.A sales manager will be appointed specifically for thebrand in each country. Distribution will be handled bythe Renault network's partners. Depending on themarket, Logan will be sold by a Renault dealer with aDacia area featuring special signage or in a Daciashowroom. A two-year warranty will apply in mostcountries. Distribution by the Renault network isreassuring for customers, offering them the best possiblelevel of services. Maintenance and repairs atshared Renault-Dacia workshops provide a furtherguarantee of optimum quality.

Dacia Communications Contact: + 40 248 50 21 11Email: dacia.press@daciagroup.comRenault Product Press Contact: + 33 (0)1 41 04 63 36Renault Corporate Press Contact: + 33 (0)1 41 04 64 69Web sites: www.media.renault.com – www.renault.com