The Renault-Nissan Alliance is gradually expanding the availability of its Duster small SUV, originally branded as a Dacia, to more international markets. Following the recent presentation of the Renault Duster for the South American region at the Buenos Aires Motor Show, today, the French firm confirmed its launch in India.
To be sold under the Renault marque, the right-hand drive [RHD] version of the Duster will be fully produced at the Renault-Nissan Chennai plant in India and rolled out across the local market in the second half of 2012. The RHD Duster will also be available in the UK starting from next year.
The Duster is crucial for Renault and partner Nissan’s plans to expand their portfolio and increase sales in the all-important Indian market.
Aside from the small SUV and the recently launched Fluence compact sedan, Renault plans to reveal three more vehicles in India by the end of 2012 including the Koleos SUV, a compact car built on an Alliance platform that is said to represent the core range model, plus a yet-to-be announced fifth model.
Renault India said it is also working on expanding its dealer network, which currently includes 14 dealerships. The company said it aims to increase that number to 40 by the end of the year and to 100 at end-2012 covering 55 cities or 90% of the market.
BY THE NUMBERS:
RENAULT IN INDIA COMPRISES:
– an Alliance plant with a capacity of 400,000 vehicles/year by 2015 (Chennai)- an Alliance engineering centre, Renault Nissan Technology and Business India Pvt Ltd (Chennai)- a sales subsidiary, Renault India Private Ltd (Chennai)- a logistics and export centre for Renault and Nissan parts (Pune)- 14 dealerships in 14 cities in May 2011 (100 planned by Dec-2012)
THE INDIAN MARKET- 20% annual growth (1.2 million vehicles in 2005, 3 million expected by end 2011)- the fourth largest global market by 2015- 60% of first-time buyers and 57% of car buyers are under the age of 35 (2009 figures)
