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.March 17, 2004
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This Week:

• The Birthplace of the Minivan Takes on a New Persona 

• Toyota and Ford Conclude Licensing Agreements for Hybrid System and Emissions Purification Patents

• GM Celebrates Start of Construction On New $800 Million Lansing Area Assembly Plant

• Successful financial year 2003 for the BMW Group: Proposed dividend increase

• New smart models increase the pleasure of driving with the wind in your hair

• Renault Modus Concept

• Chrysler Announces Pricing for New 2005 Crossfire Lineup

• 2004 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, Supercab, Supercrew, Receive Government's Highest Rating For Frontal Impact

• Successful development of Volkswagen subsidiary Sitech

• Honda Delivers its Fuel Cell Vehicle FCX to Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.

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Renault Modus Concept
 

Paris - Renault unveiled an innovative approach to compact cars at the 74th Geneva Motor Show. The MODUS show car previews the vehicle Renault plans to launch in autumn 2004 as an alternative to the traditional B-segment hatchback, and a complement to Twingo and Clio. Similar in size to Clio, MODUS boasts a surprising amount of cabin space for such a compact car and a pleasing personality that is hard to resist. Its roominess and equipment will position MODUS just above Clio. Its main characteristics are its one-box architecture and innovative functions and features, previously reserved for higher segments, with improvements to safety and driving pleasure in particular. This versatile car is as much at home around town as on the open road.

MODUS' design clearly sets it apart from Twingo and Clio. Ist exterior is modern and original, with a cheery front and streamlined profile. The vast glazed area immediately hints at the exceptionally roomy interior. The flush-fitted 17-inch wheels and accentuated arches denote sturdiness and stability. As for colour, MODUS comes in a unique Ice Blue with body-coloured front and rear bumpers. The line that runs along the side of the car from the door mirrors to the door handles and as far as the tail lights emphasizes MODUS' flowing silhouette. The rounded bonnet along with the seamless transition from the top of the wing to the A pillar and up to the roof add to the one-box feel. The Renault brand identity is clearly in evidence thanks to the vertically positioned logo, set into the radiator grille. At the rear of the car, the logo is centrally positioned above the MODUS badge.

The MODUS show car is further proof of Renault's ongoing commitment to passenger comfort and well-being. The aim is to ensure all occupants, wherever they are seated, enjoy the same travelling pleasure and to propose innovative solutions to individual needs inside a pleasant shared space. The sensation of space inside MODUS is surprising given its seemingly compact exterior. At 3,792mm long, MODUS rivals with classic B-segment hatchbacks and provides a record amount of cabin space for its category: best-in-class head room in both front and back, 226mm knee room in the back and rear elbow room of 1,345mm. MODUS proves it needn't always be a struggle getting into compact cars. Its 1,589mm tall one-box architecture plus the narrow centre pillar and optimized door width make for easy ingress and egress.

The main innovation is the "TRIPTIC" Split-Fold sliding rear bench seat with a folding middle seat

Photos: Renault

MODUS sets a new standard in comfort and ease of use by enabling occupants to personalize their cabin space. The main innovation is the "Triptic" split-fold sliding rear bench seat with a folding middle seat. It slides up to 170mm fore and aft with four possible positions and will accommodate two or three passengers as required. The two-seater configuration offers a choice of all four positions; in a three-seater configuration two positions are available. The switch from two to three seats happens in the third position: using the handle under the right-hand side of the seat, the two seats are separated and the central cushion folds down to form the third seat.

The side head restraints, which are wider than the central one, support occupants' heads in all configurations so that children and adults can adjust their seating position to suit their height and weight. This also adds boot space, just as the 60/40 split function and tilt and fold rear bench seat add to the roominess of this versatile interior.

MODUS heralds Renault's Offensive on the B segment

Renault is a key player in the European B segment, as shown by the popularity and appeal of its models. The launch of MODUS will extend Renault's B-segment range with an innovative car that is roomier than Clio and more versatile than Twingo. Its additional functions and bigger cabin space mean MODUS will be positioned slightly above Clio. MODUS will be instrumental to achieving Renault's B-segment objective to offer a car to match every customer's needs.

The launch of MODUS will extend Renault's B-segment range with an innovative car that is roomier than Clio and more versatile than Twingo.

(March 12, 2004)