Kadjar CUV to Push Renault Spain Output to New High

MADRID – The new Kadjar C-segment CUV, which will be made exclusively here for European and North African markets, is expected to drive Renault’s Spanish production to record levels by 2016.

The Kadjar will break cover for the first time at next month’s Geneva auto show and is positioned in the French automaker’s lineup between the Captur and Koleos CUVs.

The model will be built at the Palencia plant, some 162 miles (260 km) north of Madrid and will be added to the mix at the Renault-Nissan Alliance/Dongfeng Motors joint venture operation in Wuhan, China, beginning 2016 for the local market only. The Kadjar will be the first Renault made in China.

It is unclear precisely when Kadjar production will begin in Palencia or how many of the CUVs will be built this year, but a 300- to 400-unit maximum daily rate is the target sources from the plant’s works council say. Other informed sources say the Kadjar is expected to go on sale in late summer or early fall.

The Palencia plant currently assembles the sedan, coupe, Sport Tourer and RS Sport versions of the Megane, exported to 40 markets. The Captur also is made in Spain, but at another Renault plant in Valladolid, about 56 miles (90 km) from Palencia.

With a current workforce of 2,410, the Palencia plant finished 2014 with only 133,800 vehicles assembled, far off the 2003 record of 245,000 units. The Kadjar project will add 800 new workers, including the 200 hired at the end of 2014.

With this extended workforce now operating three shifts, the new Kadjar coming and the successor to the current Megane to be launched in a few weeks, Renault Spain CEO Jose V. de los Mozos is eyeing annual output of a record 280,000 vehicles. However, that volume is unlikely to be reached this year, with 2016 a more realistic target.

The new Kadjar is based on Renault’s modular CMF platform for C/D-sized vehicles. Its exterior design is more similar to the smaller Captur than the Qashqai from partner Nissan. The CUV measures 175.2 ins. (4,450 mm) in overall length.

Details on the powertrain have not been released, but it’s likely the model will offer engines similar to the Qashqai, which features a range of 115- to 163-hp gasoline engines and 110- to 130-hp diesels.

The 5-seater will be available with both 2- and 4-wheel drive.