Renault expects its new Duster Strong Hybrid to significantly widen the market it can address in India, with Renault Group CEO François Provost saying strong customer interest in the technology has already emerged ahead of deliveries.
Renault is also looking at India as an export base. Provost confirmed that the new Duster will be exported, although he did not specify markets or volumes.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, Provost said Renault had received more than 1,000 bookings for the hybrid. He said these customers had booked the vehicle even before knowing all its details.
“Since the launch, we have had more than 1,000 bookings. Even when customers did not know much about the car, they were booking the hybrid,” Provost said.
The Duster hybrid, priced from ₹16.99 lakh, claims fuel efficiency of 29 kmpl. Provost said the technology could help Renault address a wider section of the SUV market, particularly customers looking for better fuel economy.
He also highlighted the hybrid’s suitability for city driving, where Renault expects the electric motors to do much of the work in stop-and-go traffic.
“If you spend 80% of your time driving in the city, what you want is the feeling of an electric car because you will not hear the engine,” he said.
Provost said Renault sees hybrid and EV technology as central to its global strategy, but India requires a broader mix of powertrains. The company is therefore also preparing CNG options for its smaller vehicles.
Renault India CEO Stéphane Deblaise, speaking separately to PTI at the event, said hybrid and CNG vehicles could together account for nearly 50% of Renault’s sales mix in India over the next two to three years. He stressed that this was a possibility, not a formal target.
“It is possible. 50% is possible from hybrid and CNG, but we do not have a target,” Deblaise said.
Provost said Renault will introduce CNG where it makes sense for the market, while EVs will also form part of its India portfolio. Renault already offers government-approved CNG retrofitment kits for the Kwid, Kiger and Triber. It now plans to introduce factory-fitted CNG on the Kiger and Triber, with the latter getting a dual-cylinder setup positioned under the floor rather than in the boot, helping preserve luggage space.
Renault targets 90% localisation
Localisation is another major part of Renault’s India strategy. Provost said the company wants its vehicles made in India to reach around 90% localisation.“All our cars will have 90% localisation. Some of them are already at 90%, and I will not do a project if it is not 90% localised,” he said.
He said higher localisation would help Renault control costs. The company is also working to localise frequently replaced spare parts to reduce ownership costs for customers.
After-sales is another area Renault plans to improve. Provost said the company has more than 300 sales points but will initially focus on improving existing dealerships and service facilities rather than rapidly expanding the network. “Product first, then good service, good people and good places to sell the cars. After that comes good after-sales,” he said.