Mahindra renames Logan as Verito, drops Renault badge

Just over a year after breaking up its joint venture with Renault, Mahindra & Mahindra today said it has renamed the 'Logan' sedan as 'Verito', thus completely dropping the French automaker's badge from the entry level sedan.

"We are delighted to announce that the Logan will now be called the Verito. It will sport the Mahindra badge and emblem," the company said in a statement.

It, however, did not specify whether there has been a change in the price of the sedan.

Currently the Logan, which is available in both petrol and diesel variants, is priced between Rs 4.67 lakh and Rs 6.47 lakh (ex-showroom) as per the company's website.

Last April, M&M and Renault had agreed to part ways from their joint venture -- Mahindra Renault -- that was formed in 2005 to produce and sell the Logan in India as the car failed to meet expectations.

M&M had agreed to buy out Renault's 49% stake in the JV for an undisclosed sum.

The French auto major, however, agreed to continue to support M&M and Logan through a licence agreement and supply key components, including the engine and transmission.

As per their understanding, M&M could use the Logan brand for 18 months after which it was to drop all the Renault badge from the product as well as dealerships.

M&M's statement today did not elaborate on whether the Renault brand has also been dropped from the Logan showrooms.