Large cars important: Renault design boss

Renault's senior vice president, corporate design is adamant large sedans have a future – despite the dramatic drop in sales in markets such as Australia.

Speaking at the 2014 Paris motor show, Laurens van den Acker was unequivocal in his support of large sedans moving forward.

"No, not at all," was his instant response when asked if the large sedan was dead for mass market brands.

"As a matter of fact next year we will come out with a large sedan.

"Even though in Europe it's a segment that is under pressure … nonetheless it holds its own, it declines but very slowly."

He said sizeable sedans – known in the industry as a D segment, or D sized car – did not always account for big sales volumes they could define a car company.

"In my view it's an important segment to be in for the image of your car company," said van den Acker.

"If you don't have a D sedan, you're not a real car company somehow. "It's a very important segment for Asia … a D sedan is the ultimate. It's an important segment for the US.

"There are big markets where it's still very important."

He also said a large sedan could help with sales of other models

"If you're a generalist brand and you don't have a D sedan you become a C segment company and if you become a C segment company very quickly you could become a B segment company," said van den Acker. "It's as if you chop the head of the line-up.

"I do think if something drives an Audi A3 he is happy to know there is an A8 somewhere in the lineup, even if he will never own it. I think it pulls up the esteem of the brand."

Van den Acker said the new Renault large sedan – which sources say is a big change in design – will be produced in South Korea and Europe.