Renault India says to set up own distribution network

MUMBAI, Feb 9 (Reuters) - The Indian unit of French carmaker Renault said on Tuesday it would set up an independent distribution network in the country, as it looks expand its offerings.

Renault will create a nationwide network in the next 30 months, the company said in a statement.

Currently, Renault shares a distribution network with India's No. 1 utility vehicle and tractor maker Mahindra and Mahindra .

Renault, at the auto show held in the Indian capital New Delhi last month, had said that it would introduce several new cars in the country within 18-24 months and a full range in 48 months.

The carmaker said it would launch the Fluence and the Koleos models in 2011, both to be made at its upcoming facility in southern India.

Renault, in alliance with Japan's Nissan Motor Co, is building a passenger car plant in Chennai, in the southern Tamil Nadu state, to make 400,000 units a year.

Renault-Nissan, together with their Indian partner Bajaj Auto , also plan to launch an ultra low-cost car in India in 2012.

(Reporting by Janaki Krishnan; editing by Malini Menon)

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