Al Masaood launches new Renault model

The dealer for Renault Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Masaood Automobiles, on Monday announced the launch of a new addition to their sports utility vehicle line-up in the form of the Renault Duster. The new car is competitively priced in a range of Dh48,500-Dh53,500, ex-showroom. The French automaker's gasoline driven 4X2 4-speed automatic version with off-road ability is available in Abu Dhabi in two variants and is powered by a 2.0 16V (135 hp) engine. A 4X4 version of Renault Duster priced at Dh56,500 ex-showroom will be introduced at a later date, company executives said at the launch."We are targeting sales of 3,000 Renault Duster units in the UAE and 15,000 units overall, in the GCC in 2012," Renault GCC's managing director Mustansir Lakdawala told reporters on the sidelines of the launch. Irfan Tansel, general manager of Al Masaood Automobiles, said the company had recorded a sales increase of over 60 per cent in the year to date. "We are planning to continue growth dynamics in the rest of 2012. We are certain that the new Duster is going to contribute to the intended sales drive." Assistant general manager at Al Masaood, Syed Humayon Alam, said the dealership sold 11,500 units in 2011, up from 9,000 in 2010. "For 2012, our target is sale of 15,000 units." Al Masaood Automobiles has five Renault showrooms in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The Renault Duster was officially unveiled at the 2011 Dubai International Motor Show. Since going on sale, the vehicle has sold more than 280,000 units worldwide, according to company data. "The 4x2 4-speed AT version has been designed for customers who want good ground clearance and a reassuring elevated driving position, as well as loose-surface ability, but who don't have a real need for all-wheel drive," Renault said in a statement. The company claimed that it had put in month of rigorous testing in GCC conditions prior to the launch of the Duster a few months ago to make sure all standards of Renault quality were met and the vehicle conformed to GCC specifications and requirements. Renault Duster is backed up by a standard manufacturer's warranty of up to three years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first, across the GCC.