After staying relatively quiet in India's competitive auto market, Renault India is making a powerful comeback with fresh investments, new models, and a customer-focused approach. The company, led by CEO Venkatram Mamillapalle, has announced an ₹5,000 crore ($600 million) investment to strengthen its position in India.
This strategy includes:
- Five new car launches in the next two years
- A new design and tech center in India
- Upgraded "Our Store 2030" showrooms
- A strong push into SUVs, CNG, and electric vehicles (EVs)
Why Was Renault India Silent for So Long?
Renault had slowed down its India operations due to global challenges:
- COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains
- Energy crisis increased production costs
- Russia-Ukraine war affected manufacturing
Now, with these issues stabilizing, Renault is refocusing on India as a key growth market.
Renault's 5 New Cars Coming to India
Renault will launch five new models in India by 2026. Here's what we know:
1. New-Gen Renault Duster (2025)
- The Duster was once a best-seller in India but lost momentum.
- The third-generation Duster will return with a rugged design, modern tech, and an India-specific tune-up.
- Expected to compete with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara.
2. Renault Bigster (7-Seater SUV)
- A new C-segment SUV, likely a 7-seater for family buyers.
- Will rival Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar.
3. Renault's First Made-for-India EV
- A compact electric SUV designed for Indian roads and budgets.
- Expected to be affordable (₹15-20 lakh range) to compete with Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.
4 & 5. Two More Surprise Models
- Could include a new hatchback or a hybrid SUV.
- More details will be revealed soon.
New Renault Design Center in India
Renault has opened a new design hub in India, which will:
- Design exteriors, interiors, and software for global models
- Already worked on Renault 5 and Renault 4 EVs for Europe
- Currently has 32 designers, but will expand
This shows India's importance in Renault's global plans.
Renault's New Showrooms - "Our Store 2030"
Renault is upgrading its dealerships with:
- Sleek, modern designs (first launched in Chennai)
- Digital screens & interactive displays
- Better customer experience with test drives and customisation options
The company has 362 showrooms with 117 dealers and plans to expand further.
No More Diesel Cars - Focus on Petrol, CNG & EVs
Renault has stopped diesel cars in India. Instead, it will focus on:
1. Petrol Engines
- Most new models will have turbo-petrol engines for better performance.
2. CNG Options
- Renault Triber CNG is already popular in North India.
- More CNG models may come if demand grows.
3. Electric & Hybrid Cars
- First India-made EV coming soon.
- Hybrid models (strong hybrid & plug-in hybrid) may follow.
Renault's Big Goal - 5% Market Share
India's car market is expected to reach 10 million annual sales soon. Renault wants 5% of this market (5 lakh cars per year).
To achieve this, Renault is:
- Investing ₹5,000 crore ($600 million)
- Launching SUVs and EVs (high-demand segments)
- mproving sales & service experience
Conclusion: Can Renault Make a Strong Comeback?
Renault was once a strong player in India with cars like the Duster and Kwid. Now, with new SUVs, EVs, and better dealerships, the brand is ready to fight back.
- Big Challenges Ahead:
- Competition is tough (Hyundai, Tata, Kia, Mahindra dominate)
- EV adoption is still slow in India
But Renault's strong global SUV expertise could help!
