"They (Mahindra Renault) are planning to launch Sandero, which is very similar sounding to our Santro. Both are hatchbacks and Santro is an established trademark and they are trying to get mileage out of it," a senior Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) official said.
HMIL's plea requests the court not to allow Mahindra Renault to launch the car under the name Sandero, he added. Neither a call made to Mahindra Renault Chief Executive Officer Nalin Mehta nor an e-mail sent to Mahindra & Mahindra group spokesperson seeking comments on the development got a reply.
'Santro' is HMIL's flagship brand and a total of over 15 lakh units have been sold both in the domestic and the overseas markets since its launch in September 1998.
On the other hand, Mahindra Renault has been struggling to mark its presence in the Indian car market with its sole product Logan failing miserably sparking speculations of a break-up of the joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra and French auto major Renault.
Market analysts pointed out that the firm desperately needs another product to keep the JV alive.
Source: PTI
