Renault unveils make-or-break new Laguna model

PARIS (Reuters) - Renault on Monday drew some of the veils from its eagerly-waited Laguna III model, a make-or-break car that needs to deliver a step-change in quality, reliability and profitability for the French car firm.

As part of a 'teaser' marketing campaign, Renault (RENA.PA: Quote , Profile , Research ) did not host an event to showcase the car, which sells in a highly competitive segment with the BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote , Profile , Research ) 3-series and VW's (VOWG.DE: Quote , Profile , Research ) Audi A4.

Instead, it sent 27 pictures and a statement to media and to people who entered their names on the http://www.insidelaguna.com Web Site.

The car is due to be displayed at the Frankfurt Car Show in September and sales will start in October.

The pictures show hatchback and estate versions of a sporty car with a differently-styled tail to the quirky and curvy rears of the Megane and Clio.

Laguna, coming after the new Twingo and two versions of the Dacia Logan, forms the opening salvo of Renault's barrage of 26 models that will hit markets by 2009 under plans drawn up by Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn.

Source: [url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/motoringNews/idUKHIL44753120070604]Reuters.uk[/url]