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    2009 Renault Koleos Makers First Crossover Offering

    For those of you in Europe who continually complain of how much you envy the US domestic crossover SUV market, Renault has something to perk your spirits. The Renault Koleos is the diamond emblem automakers first foray into the crossover market and claims to offer "genuine off-road ability". The Koleos offers a wide array of equipment with two diesel tune level and two gas engines, both optioned with either a 6 speed manual, auto transmission, and a CVT in some instances - two wheel or all wheel drive are obviously available. To protect all that equipment and add some off road cred, Renault is offering front and rear skid plates, because we all know these will be taken off road on a daily basis.

    Renault Koleos Exterior Photos


    Renault Koleos on the Inside


    Koleos, the first 4x4 crossover from Renault Renault is pleased to present Koleos, its first ever crossover. Ideal for escaping the everyday routine, Renault Koleos is comfortable, easy to drive and boasts genuine off-road ability. It has been designed to be versatile, too, offering the same reassuring drive when motoring in and about town, on open roads and on motorways as it does when it is taken off the beaten track. Meanwhile, Renault Koleos delivers the same standard of comfort as that expected of a saloon car, as well as cabin space worthy of a compact MPV. Designed by Renault, developed by Nissan and manufactured in Renault Samsung Motors' Busan plant in Korea, Renault Koleos is the fruit of extremely close collaboration between teams from each of these Renault-Nissan Alliance brands. Renault Koleos will be on show at the Geneva Motor Show from March 4, 2008. The launch of Koleos marks a decisive step in the brand's development, not only in Europe but across the world. The release of its first 4x4 crossover is a sure sign that Renault has the capacity to take its own authentic stance and a completely fresh approach in segments from which it has traditionally been absent. Renault Koleos offers a unique standard of safety and comfort, a parameter that has become a recognised Renault hallmark which is not only clear for all to see but also highly affordable. The release of Koleos sees Renault take the wraps off its first ever 4x4 crossover, a vehicle designed for getting away from it all which combines an efficient all-wheel drive chassis, the dynamic lines of a saloon car and the cabin space of an MPV. Renault has made sure that Koleos has all the necessary genes to ensure that all passengers travel first class and that the new vehicle is easy to use. The seating and suspension provide a high standard of comfort and the driver benefits from outstanding forward visibility thanks to the low-mounted dashboard, while Koleos' split-opening tailgate greatly facilitates loading.

    PRESS RELEASE
    February 11, 2008

    Exterior
    1. Renault Koleos, the easy-to-assimilate crossover

    While 4x4 models are frequently associated with bulky volumes and considered complex
    to use, one of the key features of Koleos is the speed and ease with which drivers feel at
    home behind its wheel. The length and width of Renault Koleos are 4.52m and 1.85m
    respectively and these contained dimensions ensure that it copes as effortlessly with city
    motoring as it does when taken off the beaten track. Indeed, despite the presence of
    styling cues from the world of 4x4s, Renault Koleos is a crossover that offers a successful
    blend of dynamic and balanced lines. Meanwhile, in addition to all-terrain attributes like
    high ground clearance and skid-plates, the impression of ruggedness exuded by Koleos
    gives it a reassuring feel.
    Inside
    The cabin is very easy to assimilate. The practical dashboard design and development
    logic behind the easy to operate man-machine interfaces allow drivers to swiftly familiarize
    themselves with the different controls, while use of the navigation, radio, heating and
    climate controls is intended to be intuitive. Controls for the navigation system, hands-free
    telephone, audio system and automatic parking brake are all positioned either on the
    steering wheel or within easy reach of the driver.
    Information relating to the navigation system and radio is displayed centrally on the upper
    part of the dashboard to make sure that it is both clearly legible for the driver and easy to
    read for other occupants.

    A raft of equipment aimed at taking the stress out of motoring underpins how effortlessly
    Koleos fits into the Renault family. Such features include the hands-free card and keyless
    starting functions, automatic headlamp and wiper activation, a tyre pressure monitoring
    system and cruise control/speed limiter, while the controls for the power windows,
    adjustment of the exterior mirrors and central locking are all located on the driver's door.
    The drive station itself couldn't be more driver-friendly. Careful attention has been paid to
    ensure that Renault Koleos boasts segment-leading head-up visibility and forward field of
    vision, while its rearward angle of vision figures amongst the best available in the
    segment.
    The driving position can be precisely adjusted thanks to the adjustable seat and height-
    and reach-adjustable steering column.
    Dynamics
    The sensation of being in control is felt as soon as the driver settles behind the wheel of
    Koleos. The power steering is precise, progressive, and accurately feeds back information
    from the road. Despite its higher ground clearance, Koleos handles like a saloon car
    thanks to its chassis which was purposely developed to provide an optimal trade off
    between comfort and handling, both of which are of a remarkably high standard. Special
    attention was paid to cornering performance with the intention of to curb body-roll which
    can often be a feature of this type of vehicle.

    2. Versatility: a leitmotiv
    Running gear
    Renault Koleos is a crossover whose roots can be traced back to the worlds of the saloon
    car, the MPV and 4x4-type vehicle. It successfully blends the best of all three categories to
    deliver outstanding versatility and driving pleasure on all types of road. In built-up areas,
    on motorways and on unsealed surfaces, the Koleos chassis conveys a real sense of
    safety and being in control.
    The MacPherson-type front suspension combines with the fully-independent multilink rear
    suspension seen on New X-Trail. This set-up guarantees comfort and directional stability
    in all situations, while the dampers and springs have been tuned to match Koleos' specific
    dimensions and contribute to the targeted balance between comfort and handling.
    Ground clearance of 206mm (diesel version: 188mm) and approach and departure angles
    of 27 and 31 degrees respectively are further illustrations of Koleos' off-road credentials.

    All-wheel drive
    Koleos is the first Renault model to feature four-wheel drive from launch. The torque split
    between the front and rear is automatically calculated as a function of available grip. In
    normal conditions, torque is delivered to the front wheels only. Should less grip become
    available, however, up to 50 per cent of torque is transferred to the rear. This front-rear
    split is ensured by an electronic coupler and controlled by the latest-generation 'All mode
    4x4-I' system developed by Nissan for New X-Trail.
    This system, which is designed to optimize traction in all road conditions, is not only
    acclaimed for its efficiency but also contributes to Renault Koleos' exceptional off-road
    ability.
    The same all-wheel drive management system also contributes to the vehicle's active
    safety performance. The instant it detects even a small amount of oversteer or understeer,
    it immediately modifies the front-rear torque split, even before a possible intervention from
    the ESP kicks in. When grip is at a premium, such as on snow, mud, dirt or sand, the
    driver only has to flick a switch on the dashboard to electronically lock the transmission in
    4x4 mode. Alternatively, should the driver so wish, the transmission can also be locked in
    two-wheel drive mode.
    Renault Koleos is equipped with a Hill Start Assist function which can prove a particularly
    useful asset during everyday motoring. This system is automatically activated on gradients
    of more than 10 per cent with a view to preventing the vehicle slipping back down the
    slope. It also does away with the need for the driver to switch rapidly from the brake pedal
    to the accelerator pedal which is inherent in most vehicles.
    Similarly, Renault Koleos is equipped with a Hill Descent Control system for even safer off-
    road motoring. This function is activated via a button mounted on the central fascia and
    automatically holds the vehicle's speed at a maximum of 7kph on downhill gradients of 10
    per cent or more without requiring the brakes to be used. This function works in reverse
    gear, too.
    Koleos' navigation system has a number of specific off-road features, including an
    altimeter and barometer. The vehicle's angle of inclination, the slope and an altitude graph
    are equally displayed, while a digital compass takes the stress out of finding the correct
    heading when there are no signposts about.
    Renault Koleos will also be available in two-wheel drive form for those customers who are
    drawn by its adventurer, crossover looks but who have no call for all-wheel drive
    transmission.

    The practical, modular crossover
    The versatility of Koleos concerns not only its on-road ability but also a comprehensive list
    of clever features and equipment in the cabin. To assist loading, Renault Koleos comes
    with a split-opening, 'clamshell'-type tailgate. The upper part of the hatch permits access to
    the boot in cramped spaces and allows items of more than one metre wide to be carried.
    When lowered, the bottom part of the tailgate facilitates the loading of long items and
    serves as a handy seat for two adults (up to 200kg) when the vehicle is parked. Last but
    not least, Koleos' boot aperture of 1.07m is amongst the widest of its category.
    Modular layout
    Modularity-enhancing features include the so-called 'easy estate' system which enables
    the 60/40-split rear benchseat to be folded from the boot thanks to two levers accessible
    without having to open the rear side doors. With the benchseat in the folded position, the
    boot floor becomes entirely flat to further facilitate loading. The boot volume of 450dm3
    (VDA) with all five seats in the upright position extends to a very generous 1,380dm3
    (VDA) once the benchseat has been folded. The available space can also be
    compartmented thanks to the presence of several hooks which enable the multipurpose
    retention net to be fixed in a choice of ways. In keeping with Koleos' calling as a vehicle
    designed for outdoor leisure activities, its rear benchseat is equipped with a ski trap. The
    back of the front passenger seat can also be folded down to either form a table or permit
    the transport of items of up to 2.60m in length.
    Stowage
    There are plenty of cubbies all around the cabin. The dashboard includes a chilled, 15-litre
    glovebox, while the stowage space in the centre console is equipped with a removable bin.
    Extra space is provided in a drawer located beneath the front passenger seat, the lower
    front door bins will take a 500ml bottle and the lidded stowage space incorporated in the
    armrest is ideal for CDs. Rear passengers benefit from stowage space in the rear part of
    the centre console, plus two underfoot lidded compartments of five litres each. The rear
    door bins can house either a 500ml bottle or up to five CDs, while stowage space is
    available in the rear central armrest, too.
    Underfloor stowage in the boot provides a further 28 litres which takes the total stowage
    capacity of Renault Koleos to a vast 70 litres (VDA).
    Rear passengers benefit from folding tables complete with cup-holder incorporated in the
    backs of the front seats.

    Latest-generation powertrains
    Renault Koleos will be available with two types of Alliance engines.
    The latest-generation 2.0 dCi Euro 4 diesel engine (M9R) is available in a choice of two
    power outputs, namely 110kW (150hp) or 127kW (175hp). The engine, which has already
    been seen on upper-range Renault vehicles, Mégane, Nissan's Qashqai and New X-Trail
    and Renault Samsung Motors' QM5, features the very latest diesel engine technologies,
    including piezoelectric injectors, common-rail 1,600-bar fuel injection, a water-cooled
    variable-geometry turbo and a periodic regeneration particulate filter.
    The 2.0 dCi engine is available with a broad useful rev band, with peak torque of either
    320 or 360Nm (depending on version) available from low engine speeds.
    The 2.0 dCi 110kW engine can be ordered for either the 4x2 or 4x4 versions and mated
    with either a six-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission. The 127kW version of
    the 2.0 dCi engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel drive.

    The other engine of the Koleos range is a 2.5-litre Euro 4 powerplant (the Nissan TR25)
    which delivers 126kW (170hp) and torque of 226Nm. Depending on market, it will be
    available with a manual six-speed gearbox and/or continuously variable transmission
    (CVT).


    3. Comfort and space worthy of an MPV
    Acoustic comfort
    Renault Koleos has everything required to travel in outstanding comfort, and particular
    attention has been paid to one of the most essential comfort-related preconditions:
    effective damping of both mechanical and road noise.
    The diesel engine represents a benchmark in the domain of minimizing vibrations and
    noise thanks to its balancer shafts and twin-mass flywheel damper. Meanwhile, road noise
    has been slashed thanks to a package of special features and soundproofing, including an
    acoustic windscreen and engine subframe filtering, a well as the presence of
    soundproofing materials between the engine compartment and cabin, under the floor and
    in the wheel arches. These solutions combine to give Renault Koleos a genuine edge on
    the acoustic comfort front.
    Cabin space
    Renault Koleos passengers are also pampered in terms of cabin space, including record
    headroom and kneeroom for front occupants in the SUV, 4x4 and crossover categories,
    while rear passengers benefit from a pleasing balance between vertical and transversal
    space. Given Renault Koleos' contained overall length, access to both the front and rear
    seats is astonishingly easy, with ample room for legs and hips alike.
    A bright cabin
    The Renault range has long boasted the biggest panoramic opening sunroofs available on
    the market and the Koleos sunroof features a total, transparent glazed area of 0.75 square
    metres which is unmatched in the SUV and crossover market. For optimal thermal
    comfort, the high density-weave sunblind can be pulled shut to any position. The sunroof
    itself comes with an anti-pinch function and, thanks to the hands-free card, automatically
    closes if the driver walks away from the car.
    The combination of a brightly-lit cabin and the promise of hair-in-the-wind motoring with
    clear views of the sky overhead stands out as one of Renault Koleos' truly appealing
    features.
    Thermal comfort
    To ensure first class travelling comfort for all occupants, Koleos is equipped with an
    automatic dual-zone heating and climate control system that incorporates specific vents
    for the rear seats. The driver and front passenger can consequently select the cabin
    temperature of their choice, while rear passengers, who also benefit from sunblinds, can
    adjust ventilation using the control located at the rear of the centre console.
    Audio system
    Music lovers will be won over the comprehensive range of audio systems that is available
    for Renault Koleos, including a top-end system developed by Bose®. Specifically tailored
    to the acoustic properties of the cabin, it comprises a digital amplifier, seven loudspeakers
    and a woofer. The outstanding hi-fi quality means that occupants are able to profit from
    their favourite music whether it is delivered by the radio, the six-CD/MP3-compatabile
    multi-changer or an external source such as an iPod connected to the fascia-mounted jack
    plug.
    Equipment
    Driving pleasure is enhanced by an array of comfort-enhancing features, from the front
    and rear proximity sensors for easier parking to the automatic parking brake which is
    applied whenever the engine is switched off, and then automatically released when the
    engine is fired up.
    Renault Koleos is also equipped with a Carminat Navigation and Communication system
    incorporating three functions: a GPS navigation system with 7-inch, 16/9 screen and DVD
    atlas, a radio and six-CD multichanger and controls for a hands-free Bluetooth® telephone.
    The controls for these functions are located within easy reach on the centre console.

    For enhanced night-time vision, Renault Koleos is available with bi-Xenon headlamps and
    fixed bending lights. These additional lights illuminate the inside of corners, thereby
    permitting the driver to spot a possible hazard or obstacle much sooner. This feature
    vastly improves the field of vision in risk situations (junctions, corners) and consequently
    enhances night-time safety and driving comfort.

    4. Koleos benefits from the Alliance's extensive active and passive safety expertise
    Active safety
    Safety is a fundamental feature built into all Renault models, and Koleos has been
    engineered to provide impeccable performance on both the active and passive safety
    fronts. Its active safety is based on its carefully engineered chassis and big brakes which
    bring the model to a standstill from 100kph in just 42 metres, one of the shortest stopping
    distances to be found in the SUV/crossover segment.
    In emergency braking situations, when taking avoidance action or when grip is lost,
    Renault Koleos can count on ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake
    assist and ESP with understeer control. Even before the latter kicks in, the all-wheel drive
    transmission control system intervenes to adjust the front-rear torque split as soon as the
    first signs of oversteer or understeer are detected.
    Passive safety
    The fact that Renault's range includes eight models that have been awarded the maximum
    five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating speaks volumes for the brand's expertise when it
    comes to passive safety. It goes without saying that Renault Koleos has benefited from the
    years of extensive research that have gone into studying real-life accidents. Its very
    structure has been engineered to include programmed crumple zones both at the front and
    rear, while the design of the cabin's structure allows it to serve as a protective cell in the
    case of an accident. Furthermore, Renault Koleos comes with a long list of equipment
    committed to optimizing occupant protection, including six airbags (including two adaptive
    front airbags which adapt to the passenger's build), load limiters for the front and outer
    rear seat seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and Isofix child seat anchorage for the
    outer rear seats.

    5. The dynamic lines of a saloon with 4x4 styling cues

    Renault Koleos' lines were designed to be both distinctive and expressive. Koleos is
    unmistakably an 4x4, yet its looks are in no way aggressive and its styling is appealing
    without being ostentatious. The front end features the logo of the brand flanked by air
    intakes and modern elliptical headlamps, notably the module which incorporates Xenon
    headlamps and additional cornering lights.
    The side design of Renault Koleos - including high ground clearance and prominent wheel
    arches - betrays its 4x4 calling. "Koleos has a strong personality. In our programme, it is a
    unique model that stands out from its rivals thanks to its raked rear screen which is
    suggestive of propulsion," notes Renault's Director of Design, Patrick le Quement. The
    distinctive lines of its hatch form a movement that flows from the bottom of the rear
    window to converge on the logo which sits on a gloss black finish plaque.

    The cabin and drive station are purposely intuitive and the interior design is based on a
    series of elegantly flowing curves. The bottom of the dashboard forms a wave-like line
    which gives the impression that the cowling is actually floating on the dashboard. The form
    of the centre console, which houses all the vehicle's principal functions, contributes to an
    inescapable sense of well-being. This is further compounded by the quality of the
    materials selected for Koleos and by the careful attention that has been paid to the play
    and mating between panels and components. "The carefully-honed interior of Koleos is of
    a very high quality," observes Patrick le Quement. "Its graphic design is very pleasing,
    while special attention has been paid to perceived quality."
    For customers who wish to personalize their vehicle, Renault has developed a range of
    customization accessories, some of which underpin the all-terrain calling of Koleos.

    6. A new-generation automobile

    Evolutions in consumer demand and the world's growing awareness of environmental
    issues have led carmakers to rethink their leisure vehicle line-ups. The traditional 4x4
    vehicle, which tends not to be widely accepted by society, has come of age. As a
    consequence, so-called 'crossover' vehicles have been gaining ground in recent years.
    The presence of SUV-type vehicles can be observed in all segments, in the same way that
    MPVs spread to other categories in the late '90s. Indeed, the notion of segment is no
    longer clear-cut in the minds of customers. Today, SUVs account for five per cent of the
    total market worldwide compared with less than one per cent 15 years ago.

    A vehicle intended to win over new customers
    The SUV/compact crossover market is constantly expanding in the top five Europe
    countries and strong growth in the past five years has seen all-makes sales double from
    222,500 to 522,000 vehicles (see appendix).
    This trend can be observed across Europe: in a total market of approximately 15 million
    vehicles, the SUV/compact crossover category accounts for almost five per cent, with
    more than 700,000 vehicles of this type sold in 2007.
    The sector is extremely competitive, too, with the availability of 25 models. The launch of
    Renault Koleos, the range's first 4x4 crossover, sees Renault complete its line-up with a
    new vehicle that benefits from the maturity and expertise of the market's leading players.

    European SUV/compact crossover customers come essentially from the C and D
    segments. The majority of them already own a vehicle of this type (25%), while 22% come
    from the D segment and 13% from the C segment. Former MPV owners account for eight
    per cent of SUV/compact crossover buyers.

    Renault Koleos is a sign of the group's ongoing international expansion. The newcomer
    goes on sale in Europe in June 2008 and will be available in almost 40 countries on five
    continents by 2009.

    7. A unique industrial adventure

    Five years after the Renault-Nissan Alliance was sealed, and four years after the founding
    of the Renault Samsung Motors brand in Korea, Renault took the decision to launch a 4x4
    project driven by a twofold objective: to complete its C-segment line-up yet remaining true
    to its philosophy as a company which designs and produces vehicles that respect others.
    The synergies permitted by the Alliance, such as the sharing of platforms and mechanical
    assemblies, and the prospect of increased sales in Korea ensured a first class financial
    context.
    The different roles were allocated as follows: Renault would work on the concept, design
    the vehicle, draw up a brief concerning performance and equipment and supply the diesel
    powerplants. Nissan would bring its 4x4 technology to the table, supply the petrol engines
    and take responsibility for validation. Finally, Renault Samsung Motors would ensure the
    production of Renault Koleos for the world market.

    The Alliance's C platform - which had been transformed into the C 4x4 platform by Nissan
    for its X-Trail and Rogue models - lent itself perfectly to the new crossover's volumes.
    Production of the vehicle in Korea rapidly emerged as the natural choice, given that SUV
    and crossovers are the predominant category in the country where they enjoy a market
    share of some 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the efficiency and flexibility of Renault Samsung
    Motors' Busan plant was a further parameter that argued in favour of using the Korean
    facility as the sole production site for Renault Koleos and a letter of intention was signed in
    March 2004. Koleos was destined to be Renault's first crossover, conceived and designed
    by Renault, developed by Nissan and built by Renault Samsung Motors.

    A team of Japanese engineers from Nissan was despatched to work alongside Renault's
    own design team at the Technocentre in Guyancourt, France, to validate the project's
    technical feasibility. The pre-contract milestone was rapidly reached and, in December
    2004, the decision was taken to launch the development phase of the H45 project. A
    Renault project team specializing in the Renault-Nissan Alliance C platform was set up to
    serve as a small-scale interface and channel requests for information from the project
    teams at Nissan and Renault Samsung Motors. An equal parity, tripartite steering
    committee was consequently established and the programme chiefs from each of the
    three brands met regularly in France, Japan and Korea to arbitrate on the responses of
    Nissan's vehicle engineering department to the demands of Renault's brief.

    The following phase saw the project switch its base near Nissan's Atsugi engineering
    centre in Japan where designers from Renault and Renault Samsung Motors worked on
    finalizing the exterior and interior design. The first Renault Koleos was born. The design
    freeze milestone was reached in July 2005 and the go-ahead was given for development
    of the H45 to begin.

    28 months of development
    From the design freeze milestone to production sign-off in November 2007, 28 months of
    active collaboration saw the programme teams of all three brands focus on achieving the
    objectives set by Renault.

    The combination of the project's complexity and the tripartite relationship permitted new,
    increasingly streamlined practices to be put into place. To ensure that Renault Koleos
    benefited from the very best that the Renault-Nissan Alliance had to offer, arbitration was
    called for on several occasions, if only because customer demand has a tendency to differ
    from one continent to another, making it necessary to anticipate market trends on a global
    scale. Furthermore, although the operational methodologies employed at Renault and
    Nissan are converging, the two entities still have strong separate cultural identities and it
    was necessary to take their specificities into account.
    The bulk of the work that followed the contract milestone in October 2005 concerned the
    response of Nissan's vehicle engineering department to the product, performance and
    equipment demands formulated by Renault.

    The first prototype was produced in Japan at the beginning of 2006 in the Nissan pilot
    factory where the assembly processes and necessary tooling are developed before the
    production of a new vehicle can begin in the chosen factory. Renault Koleos naturally
    followed the same path as the Nissan models based on the same platform - X-Trail and
    Rogue - and the same manufacturing processes were adopted.
    In November 2006, the first waves of physical prototypes marked the start of the H45
    project's production phase. Renault Samsung Motors allocated a staff of 68 to work in
    Zama with Nissan's vehicle engineering department to draw up the standard operation
    sheets and optimize assembly procedures.

    In parallel, a test programme was put into place to validate the performance and reliability
    of Renault Koleos in extreme conditions. A total of 1,750,000km was covered, either on
    location or on tests benches. Given the newcomer's broad spectrum of markets, including
    Russia, Korea, the Middle East and Australia, Koleos was put through its paces in the
    severest of conditions. The cold climate tests took place in Japan on the island of
    Hokkaido, while the hot weather programme was organised in Australia and Spain.

    Six months later, the vehicle arrived on the production line in Busan, Korea. This timeline
    enabled the necessary tooling for production start-up to be completed, while the operators
    themselves received nearly 50,000 hours of specific training.
    On November 5, 2007, the Busan factory was given the green light to begin the
    manufacture of QM5, the Korean version of the forthcoming Renault Koleos. A few months
    later, the first vehicles for the Korean market rolled off the line just as production of Koleos
    started in readiness for the model's release in Europe in June 2008.

    8. The Renault-Nissan Alliance: a power-horse of performance

    The concept of co-development, or task-sharing, between three players with such
    distinctive cultures as France, Japan and Korea turned out to an extremely stimulating
    challenge for the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

    A capital outlay of less than €400 million
    The performance of Nissan's engineering department, the synergies permitted by the
    Alliance and the flexibility of Renault Samsung Motors' production plant in Busan, Korea,
    made it possible to achieve considerable investment-related savings. Indeed, the total
    capital outlay was a highly competitive €391 million, below the initially targeted figure.
    Capital outlay was divided into:
    - engineering costs: €192 million,
    - production-related investment: €178 million, half of which was spent on the Busan
    factory and the remainder invested in the set-up of specific tooling at the premises of
    suppliers,
    - start-up costs: €21 million.
    The engineering costs notably covered the work put in by Nissan to adapt to the
    requirements specified by Renault. The latter's particularly demanding brief stipulated that
    it would supply Nissan with the technical elements and mechanical assemblies required to
    develop the sort of features and functions specific to the Renault brand which its
    customers have come to expect and which can be found on vehicles throughout the range.
    These include the automatic parking brake, Man Machine Interface and speed limiter, as
    well as the 'magic handle' function of the hands-free card and the 'voir clair' ('clear view')
    demist function which Nissan succeeded in incorporating from the initial design phases.
    The carryover of Renault mechanical assemblies outweighed the expense of having to
    adapt them and enabled capital outlay to be kept to a minimum.
    Production-related investment at Busan notably went on improving work conditions and
    creating more ergonomic work-stations which are a pledge of quality and productivity.

    Koleos is the 11th
    of the 26 models that Renault has announced to fuel its growth.
    The launch of a 4x4 crossover sees Renault pursue its product offensive and
    complete its vehicle line-up with a model that marks a first in the history of the
    brand. In addition to the newcomer's proven 4x4 technology, Renault's brings its
    expertise in the realm of safety to the table, as well as a typically Renault approach
    to modularity and comfort to provide a spectrum of top-end functions and features
    of a level similar to those featured on Laguna III.
    From launch, Renault's first 4x4 crossover is targeting a place amongst the best in
    its class in terms of product and service quality, an undertaking which is backed up
    by the same three-year or 150,000km warranty that covers Renault's other upper-
    range vehicles.
    This approach forms part of a global strategy aimed at both promoting brand loyalty
    and winning over new customers to speed up Renault's presence on the
    international scene and develop the sale of top-end vehicles while at the same time
    consolidating its flagship values, namely comfort, intuitive design and modularity.


    Send an email to Ben, the author of this post, at ben@jalopnik.com.