Caterham planning Renault-based crossover, subcompact in attempt to become global brand

caterham-seven-supersport-r-moving

Caterham is developing a crossover SUV and a subcompact car with Renault, chairman Tan Sri Tony Fernandes has said, in an ambitious attempt to transform the small-volume British sports car maker into a global premium brand, according to Reuters.

The models are likely to surface not long after the first Caterham/Renault Alpine sports cars are launched in 2016, the AirAsia founder told the news agency. We’ve previously reported that the first product will be code-named CT02, and a locally-assembled version is likely for Malaysia.

“Sports cars will do well but the city car and SUV are what the (Asian) market really wants,” said Fernandes, adding that Caterham hopes to emulate the success of the Range Rover Evoque. “If we get the SUV right it will be huge.”

alpine concept rear

The new Caterham models would be Renault-based and shipped in semi-finished form for final assembly in Asia. The French carmaker has confirmed that it is studying the feasibility of these vehicles with Caterham, reports Reuters.

Fernandes bought Caterham in 2011 and controls the F1 team of the same name, powered by Renault engines. Last November, Renault and Caterham unveiled a joint sports car programme, along with an agreement to sell a 50% stake in Renault’s Dieppe plant to the Malaysian entrepreneur, creating the Caterham-Alpine venture.

The Caterham brand is “unheard of in Asia but it will become better known as we move up the F1 grid,” Fernandes said. “The new models will have Renault engines so it’s important to have a Renault engine in the F1 car.”

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Anonymous on Jul 09, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Sports car is what people want!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
  • InsaneClown on Jul 09, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Caterham in F1 = Tail End Charlies
    QPR in EPL = Tail End Charlies

    I think Tan Sri Tony Fernandez should only stick to business ventures which he is well versed in, like airline industry.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 9
    • People like Tony never stop trying, and that’s what sets him apart from the ordinary.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 6
    • puregreen on Jul 09, 2013 at 5:59 pm

      both F1 and football are big businesses too, just inform you IF you dont know yet

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
    • donkeyking on Jul 10, 2013 at 9:48 am

      this is a freaking good business venture

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • BLUR SOTONG on Jul 09, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    Combined what Anonymous and KZM points: *WE need AFFORDABLE CAR with SPORTS CAR performance *
    To our Lovely Government, please make our wish come TRUE !!!!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Jonathan Lee on Jul 09, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    You’re joking.

    It’s a sad state that we live in that we can’t have a car manufacturer that only builds lightweight, ridiculously fun kit cars anymore. It seems like everyone needs an SUV nowadays to compete in China, as if SUVs are all Chinese people buy.

    The fact of the matter is that the Caterham brand is built on featherweight performance, so what is a slow, heavy SUV going to say about the brand to its core audience? Already car enthusiasts are lamenting this decision, claiming that the last car company to stick to its origins has been lost. A less spartan sports car, or a GT, fine. Not this.

    The idea of Caterham being a premium brand is suspect as well. Outside of Britain, Caterham has close to zero brand cachet. All their cars are cheap Lotus 7 replicas made from aluminium tubing and fibreglass, and despite solely building sports cars, Caterham does not have high-level racing history. Putting myself in the shoes of a potential SUV customer, why would I want a Caterham SUV when I can have a Porsche Macan? And as for city cars, well, we all know full well the great millions of Aston Martin Cygnets that have been sold…

    I do respect Tony Fernandes highly. I think he’s a great businessman and he did us all a favour by turning around Air Asia the way he did. But I’m afraid this is just a step too far.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 6
  • Tony, if you do produce a car for the larger segment of consumers, please do not just sell and forget about investing in strong after sales service. AFTER SALES is always something that has a huge influence on consumers, esp. Malaysian consumers. Malaysians do not mind paying a premium, if after sales is great. Malaysian will think thrice before buying your car if after sales is poor, even if the price is relatively cheap. For practical examples, just compare Toyota v Naza.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
 

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