Mahindra-Renault, Paris-based car manufacturer, has selected India to be its car design hub for its proposed ultra-cheap car. The car is under development under the joint venture with Bajaj Auto.

Till date, Renault has designed its entire range of cars in Paris but now with the growing opportunities in India, the company decided to target India and establish a design center in Mumbai. Though the main car design framework will be rolled out from the Mumbai centre, small inputs on designing will also be received from Nissan design team and other Renault’s design centres across the world.

At present, it is believed that almost 10-12 Indian car designers are working on the Renault’s small car project. The key motive of the joint venture is not to produce a cheap car but to design a car with improved fuel economy and the one that meets the emission standards.

After forming a design framework, the car will start its production in the Chakan facility in Maharashtra. Expected to roll out in 2011, the car is follows the vision of this joint venture.