With the re-launch, the company is seeking to re-establish its presence in the fast-growing mid-size SUV segment and rebuild momentum in the Indian passenger vehicle market.New Delhi: French automaker Renault is entering a new phase of growth in India with the re-launch of its mid-size sports utility vehicle Duster, as the company sharpens its focus on the country under its International Game Plan 2027, Renault Group Chief Growth Officer and CEO Fabrice Cambolive said, according to a PTI report.
Renault on Monday unveiled the new-generation Duster, marking the return of a nameplate that had helped establish the mid-size SUV segment in India over a decade ago. The model will compete in one of the most crowded and competitive segments of the domestic passenger vehicle market, taking on rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra.
Strengthening its presence in India
“Over the last few years, we have focused our presence in key regions such as Latin America, Korea, Turkey, Morocco and, of course, India, proving that Renault can compete at the highest level internationally. Today, here in India, we are entering a new phase of acceleration within our International Game Plan 2027,” Cambolive said.
He reiterated that India is a key pillar of Renault’s growth strategy outside Europe, supported by a strengthening of its local manufacturing and engineering footprint.
“A few months ago, Renault Group became the full owner of the Chennai manufacturing plant, a site renowned for its quality, competitiveness and operational excellence,” Cambolive said.
The new Duster is the first product to be unveiled in India under Renault’s International Game Plan 2027. Renault said prices for the SUV will be announced in March, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in April.
Renault International Game Plan 2027
Renault Group has acquired the remaining 51 per cent stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) from Nissan, making the Chennai facility a wholly owned Renault operation. The move is aimed at creating a fully integrated ecosystem encompassing design, engineering, manufacturing and local operations.
“As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in India and to deliver products truly adapted to this market,” Cambolive said, adding that the new Duster marks the first step in Renault’s renewal in India.
The automaker also highlighted leadership continuity in the market, noting that the appointment of Stéphane Deblaise as Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group in India would ensure strong alignment across operations and faster decision-making.
Renault had discontinued the earlier-generation Duster in India in 2022 at its Sriperumbudur plant, nearly ten years after rolling out the first unit in July 2012. With the re-launch, the company is seeking to re-establish its presence in the fast-growing mid-size SUV segment and rebuild momentum in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
