Renault Sets Bold Course for India With Five New Car Launches

Renault is doubling its commitment to the Indian market. The auto manufacturer is poised to unleash five new models over the next two years as part of a reinvigorated strategy of expansion and localization. By taking complete control of its Indian manufacturing operations, through the acquiring of all shares in RNAIPL, Renault has on-boarded the lead role in driving vehicle production for that joint venture. That next move, coupled with the opening of a design center in India, further cements the brand's ambitions in an increasingly competitive Indian auto market.

The next-generation versions of the Triber and Kiger are among several new offerings that Renault plans to launch. Among the new offerings, two highly anticipated SUVs aimed at the B+ and C segments are set to debut. These are two massive growth segments. The segment is seeing big-time growth, growing a lot faster than the overall market. We are seeing growing demand for vehicles in this segment.

Next-Gen Duster and Bigster Target Premium SUV Market

Renault’s strategy focuses on launching next-generation models. The highlights of the strategy are:   

1. Next-generation Duster: Playing on Duster's legacy as a pioneering compact SUV, first launched in India in 2012. It was a segment pioneer and carried a lot of weight in helping push Renault's brand image forward in the country. It also had a lot going for it in terms of price positioning and a set of strengths that made it quite appealing to a broad audience.
2. Bigster: A three-row SUV will compete in the top tier of that segment and should give top contenders like Creta a run for their money.  
3. Stay Competitive: Deliver features that stand out. Don’t just attempt to match competitors on price. Instead, learn from competitors that offer good features and value for money.  

Electrification and Multi-Powertrain Strategy

Renault will take a flexible approach to powertrains for its upcoming vehicles, in line with emerging market trends. The company's next-generation lineup will include drive systems ranging from internal combustion engines to fully electric powertrains, with hybrids and compressed natural gas vehicles in between. The Duster and Bigster will be the first models to sport hybrid technology, a marked departure from the brand's previous focus on turbo gas engines.

Although early speculation pointed to a locally adapted version of the Kwid EV, Renault is indicating a more premium product for its electric entry. In the price range of INR 17 lakh to INR 25 lakh, the new EV will compete with the MG ZS EV, Mahindra BE 6, and the soon-to-launch Maruti e-Vitara. By 2027, the EV segment is set to become even more crowded, with global players like Skoda, Honda, and Volkswagen also throwing their hats into the ring.