The all-new Duster has been launched at a starting price of ₹10.49 lakh as the company looks to strengthen its position in the SUV segment.Renault India posted a sharp 108 per cent year-on-year jump in domestic sales in April 2026, driven by the comeback of the Duster SUV, underlining the French automaker’s renewed push to regain relevance in India’s fast-growing utility vehicle market.
According to SIAM data, Renault’s domestic sales rose to 5,413 units in April 2026 from 2,602 units in the same month last year, aided by a strong initial response to the all-new Duster launched earlier this year.
The company also significantly ramped up production in anticipation of stronger demand. Renault’s output surged more than fivefold to 9,333 units in April 2026 from 1,787 units a year earlier. The automaker manufactures the Duster at its Chennai plant, where it has previously indicated sufficient headroom for further capacity expansion.
Exports also witnessed robust growth, nearly tripling from 378 units in April 2025 to 991 units last month, supported by overseas shipments of the locally produced Duster. Renault Group Chief Executive Officer François Provost had earlier said India would evolve not only into a growth market but also into an export hub, supporting the company’s global competitiveness.
The latest sales momentum aligns with Renault’s “futuREady India” strategy, which aims to make India one of its top three global markets by 2030. As part of the roadmap, Renault plans to introduce seven multi-energy models tailored for Indian consumers by the end of the decade.
The Duster’s return also carries significant brand legacy for Renault in India. Originally launched on July 4, 2012, the SUV played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern compact SUV segment with its rugged styling and monocoque construction. The nameplate remained a key pillar for Renault until it was discontinued in 2022 amid intensifying competition.
With the 2026 relaunch, Renault appears to be leveraging both nostalgia and pricing strategy to revive the brand’s fortunes in India. The all-new Duster has been introduced at an aggressive starting price of ₹10.49 lakh, with the company seeking to strike an emotional chord with customers while expanding its footprint in the highly competitive SUV market.
