Renault has inked a deal with the Bangalore-based San Motors to supply engines for the latter's sportscar models -- Storm and Streak -- scheduled to hit the streets by this year-end.

``We have been talking of increasing our presence in the Asia Pacific market following our tie-up with Nissan. Towards this end, we would be announcing some major initiatives by this month-end at the Tokyo motor show...But for the time being, there are no firm plans for a production base so far as India is concerned,'' company spokesperson Christine Rahard, told UNI here on Monday.

The company, she said, is yet to establish a presence in India in terms of a network of exclusive importers. ``We have not yet really concentrated on India though identified as a potential market for our cars. We are, for the present, targetting all our resources to strike big in other major markets in the region.''

Renault, she added, would concentrate on three markets as the growth drivers for the new millenium -- South America, Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific.

Meanwhile, Renault Moteurs commercial director Jean-Claude Pie told UNI that the company was pursuing the possibility of supplying its engines to Indian car manufacturers.

``We have taken a first step in the Indian market by joining hands with San Motors. But we do intend to start negotiations with other manufacturers for similar arrangements of supplying engines.''

Renault, it may be recalled, had been mulling to set up a car assembly base in India. The company had initiated talks with Rahul Bajaj-promoted Bajaj Group to jointly establish a car producing venture. The plans were dropped after a feasibility study revealed little potential.

The group then forayed into India with its tractor manufacturing arm -- Renault Agriculture-- picking up a 20 per cent equity stake in the Punjab-based International Tractors Ltd (ITL).

Under the agreement between the Renault Group and ITL, two joint venture marketing companies were formed with 60 per cent majority holding in both the ventures in the hands of the French group.

Earlier, Renault SA was planning to launch its range of cars and jeeps besides producing truck engines in the country through a separate venture.

Though the partners for the two ventures were not finalised, sources close to the company had said Renault would join hands with the ITL for its car and jeep manufacturing project in India.

Renault Agriculture chief financial officer Bernard le Rouzic had confirmed that the group was planning to set up a joint venture in India for producing truck engines. ``We have not commenced talks or even shortlisted any partners for the project. But the venture is being explored seriously.''

Regarding the car and jeep manufacturing venture, he had said, ``We are open to the project, but no specific details could be provided on the same. India is being considered as a probable destination for renault small cars and jeeps.''

The tie-up with Renault, ITL chairman and managing director LD Mittal had said, is most likely to be for its small car range. ``We already have the technology with us for producing jeeps but for cars we may join hands with Renault. But a final decision on the same is yet to be taken...The foray is still a dream.''

Among the cars which were considered for the Indian market was Twingo, which competes with the Alto (Zen) in European markets. Besides, jeeps from the Nissan range were also considered for India.