Header: Courtesy of Renault Group
Launched in India in 2012, the Renault Duster was the first of the compact SUV (B+) segment. Today, this segment is one of the most buoyant in the local car market, accounting for 14% of passenger car sales in 2025. A true pioneer, Duster has sold over 200,000 units in a highly competitive market, establishing itself as a symbol of freedom and bold thinking, two qualities that are very much part of the Indian automotive scene.
“In India, the Renault Duster is far more than just a name: it is a true legend. A symbol of adventure, reliability, and innovation, its return reflects our commitment to the Indian market and our intention to offer vehicles designed and engineered to meet our customers’ needs. New Renault Duster builds on its iconic legacy while embracing modern design, advanced technology, and enhanced performance.”
Stéphane Deblaise, CEO Renault India
India, one of the world’s most dynamic markets
In recent years, the Indian automotive market has experienced strong growth. Now the world’s third-largest market, India is a strategic pillar for Renault, which is consolidating its presence there as part of the roll-out of its “Renault International Game Plan 2027”.
The continuous expansion of the Indian market is accompanied by sweeping changes in consumer habits. Since 2012, the market has seen a significant shift towards SUVs, whose share has risen from 12% to almost 55% on the back of a wave of new launches and changing customer expectations. At the same time, the traditional “mini” and “compact” segments have declined sharply in India.
Five industrial hubs serving a global range
The world’s leading French car brand, Renault, has invested €3 billion in its strategic plan to consolidate its offering and profitability at a global level. To this end, Renault is working with its five strategic industrial hubs outside Europe (India, Morocco, Turkey, South Korea and Latin America) to develop, build and market eight new models worldwide. Combining local expertise, technological capacity and industrial flexibility, these industrial hubs are supporting the acceleration of the Group’s product plan.
“Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in India, to better understand customer expectations, and to deliver products truly adapted to this market. The new Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India. Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Group & CEO Renault brand.”
Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Group & CEO Renault brand
Strong local presence in India
The new Renault Duster will be assembled at the Chennai plant, one of Renault’s five industrial hubs outside Europe. This decision confirms the brand’s ambitions to build vehicles close to their markets and to support the growth of the Indian automotive sector.
Now wholly owned by Renault Group since 31 July 2025, when Nissan’s shares were bought back, the Chennai plant builds models for both Renault and Nissan. Since its opening in 2008, the site has assembled over three million vehicles, including 1.2 million for export to more than 100 countries. At the same time, the plant manufactured 4.6 million engines and gearboxes. It currently assembles the Renault Triber and Kiger, two models launched in 2025.
Renault also has a new design entity, the Renault Design Center Chennai. Inaugurated in August 2025, it marks a major turning point for Renault in India. Fully in line with the new “renault.rethink” brand strategy, it embodies a new and ambitious vision for the Indian market.
Finally, Renault also relies on a leading Renault Group engineering centre, jointly owned with Nissan, which plays an active role in developing and adapting vehicles to meet the needs of both local and international markets.
New Duster, a key model to accelerate the pace of growth in India
Renault has a strong presence in India, with more than 350 dealerships and 450 service outlets across the country. The launch of the New Duster marks an important step in Renault’s model renewal strategy, and it joins a range currently made up of the Kwid (compact), the Triber (7-seater SUV <4m) and the Kiger (5-seater coupé SUV <4m). The new vehicle will be on sale in India in spring 2026 and will be launched in South Africa and the Gulf States at a later date.
