Concept of the Week

Renault's Brazilian, multicolored flight of fancy

Renault Sandero Sand'up

By Stuart Schwartzapfel

At the Sao Paulo Auto Show in late October, Renault (RENA.PA) showed this concept car. Based on Renault's Dacia Sandero, a small family car sold in Brazil, the Sandero Sand'up features two-tone bodywork and partially transparent doors. Other design details include flared fenders and a red roof with integrated metal rails. Renault says the concept is the first the company has designed entirely in South America. The vehicle is powered by a 1.6-liter engine that runs on either gasoline or ethanol, the biofuel popular in Brazil. And yet, this vehicle is destined to remain a show car.

The Verdict: Portuguese for "flight of fancy."

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. He has studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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