Quick Info In Depth Answers Related Articles similar Articles

Renault India Revamps Strategy with New Design Center and Upcoming Models

Share this article

Link copied!

Published on: 4 Jul 2025

Renault India Revamps Strategy with New Design Center and Upcoming Models

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!

Share this article

Link copied!

You can now subscribe free to our RagaDecode whatsapp channel for updates

Decoded by Raga

About Ragavendran Ramesh

Back to Home

Quick Info

What major investment has Renault India announced?

Renault India has announced a ₹5,000 crore (approximately $600 million) investment to reestablish its presence in the Indian automobile market. This investment will support new model launches, infrastructure upgrades, and technology initiatives.

Why was Renault inactive in India for a while?

Renault slowed its India operations due to global disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic, an energy crisis, and the Russia-Ukraine war. These challenges impacted manufacturing and supply chains, prompting a temporary strategic pause.

What are the five new cars Renault plans to launch in India?

Renault plans to launch: 1) The new-generation Renault Duster, 2) Renault Bigster (7-seater SUV), 3) A made-for-India electric SUV, and 4 & 5) Two surprise models possibly including a hatchback or hybrid SUV.

When will the new Renault Duster be launched?

The third-generation Renault Duster is expected to launch in 2025, featuring modern design, upgraded technology, and an India-specific configuration.

What is the Renault Bigster SUV?

The Bigster is a new C-segment 7-seater SUV from Renault aimed at family buyers. It will compete with vehicles like the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar.

What is Renault’s first made-for-India EV?

Renault's first India-made EV will be a compact electric SUV tailored for Indian conditions and priced in the ₹15-20 lakh range. It is designed to compete with models like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400.

Where is Renault's new design center located and what does it do?

Renault has opened a design hub in India that develops exteriors, interiors, and software for global models. It contributed to the Renault 5 and 4 EVs in Europe and currently employs 32 designers, with expansion planned.

What is the 'Our Store 2030' initiative?

‘Our Store 2030’ is Renault's modern showroom concept featuring sleek designs, digital displays, test drive integration, and customization options. The first revamped outlet was launched in Chennai.

How many dealerships does Renault currently have in India?

Renault operates 362 showrooms across India through 117 dealer partners, with further expansion plans underway.

Why has Renault stopped producing diesel cars in India?

Renault has exited the diesel car segment in India due to stricter emissions regulations and changing market demand. It is now focusing on petrol, CNG, and electric vehicles.

What is Renault's new strategy for fuel options in India?

Renault is prioritizing turbo-petrol engines, expanding its CNG offerings like the Triber CNG, and launching its first India-made EV. Hybrid models may also be introduced in the future.

What is Renault’s market share target in India?

Renault aims to capture a 5% share of India's growing automobile market, which is expected to hit 10 million annual vehicle sales in the near future.

Which cars will the new Renault Duster compete with?

The new Duster will rival compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara in India’s mid-size SUV segment.

What are the expected features of the upcoming Renault EV?

The compact electric SUV will be designed for Indian roads and budgets, expected to be priced between ₹15-20 lakh, and offer affordability with modern electric features.

Has Renault worked on any international EV projects from India?

Yes, Renault’s Indian design hub has contributed to the development of the Renault 5 and Renault 4 EVs targeted at the European market.

In-Depth Answers

What models might the two surprise Renault cars be?

Though unconfirmed, the two additional models could include a new hatchback and a hybrid SUV tailored to Indian consumer needs.

Why is Renault focusing on the SUV segment in India?

SUVs are among the most in-demand vehicle types in India. Renault is leveraging its global SUV expertise to re-enter this competitive segment with new offerings.

What factors could challenge Renault's comeback in India?

Renault faces stiff competition from brands like Hyundai, Tata, Kia, and Mahindra. Additionally, EV adoption in India is still limited, posing another strategic challenge.

What is the significance of Renault’s ₹5,000 crore investment?

This substantial investment underlines Renault’s commitment to India. It will fund product development, EV production, dealership upgrades, and design center expansion to secure long-term market presence.

Which CNG model has Renault already introduced in India?

The Renault Triber CNG has gained popularity, particularly in North India, demonstrating the brand’s interest in expanding its alternative fuel offerings.

What technologies will be featured in Renault’s new showrooms?

Renault's revamped showrooms will include digital screens, interactive displays, and personalized test drive and customization experiences to enhance customer engagement.

How is Renault tailoring its new cars for the Indian market?

Renault is customizing new models like the Duster and EVs with India-specific features, pricing, and performance adjustments to meet local preferences and road conditions.

Who is leading Renault India’s revival strategy?

Venkatram Mamillapalle, CEO of Renault India, is spearheading the company’s revival strategy, which includes significant investment and a new product roadmap.

Which brands are Renault’s main competitors in the Indian SUV market?

Renault’s primary competitors include Hyundai, Tata Motors, Kia, Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki—all strong players in the SUV and EV segments.

What consumer segments is Renault targeting with its new cars?

Renault is targeting budget-conscious buyers, urban families, and environmentally conscious consumers by offering compact SUVs, 7-seaters, CNG options, and EVs.

How is Renault improving its customer experience in India?

Renault is enhancing customer experience through upgraded 'Our Store 2030' dealerships, better test drive facilities, interactive digital tools, and more customization options.