Renault has confirmed that it will launch the Dacia Duster in India in the second half of next year. Units sourced from the Renault-Nissan Alliance factory in Chennai will also go on sale in the UK, where they will spearhead the Dacia brand launch in 2012, and other right hand drive markets, adding another export model to the local industry’s tally.
The factory opened last year and began building the Nissan Micra which is also widely exported to the UK and Europe. Numerous Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai models are also shipped from India.
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The Duster is part of a five-model launch for Renault in India; the company previously had a short-lived joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra in Mumbai to build and sell the Logan. Renault also has a memorandum of understanding with Bajaj Auto – best-known for two-wheelers – to develop a low-cost four-wheel car; this is due to be launched next year.
The Duster, based on the Logan platform, has been adapted for India and will be sold through Renault’s 14-strong dealer network. The company aims to increase that number to 40 by the end of the year and to 100 at end-2012 – the network will then cover 55 cities or 90% of the market.
Part of the Duster package includes a four year/80,000 km warranty and a one year warranty for maintenance and repair, free service coupons at 2,000 km, 10,000 km and 20,000 km, plus 24/7 assistance.
“We understand that the Indian customer is extremely value conscious, hence our commitment to globally benchmarked product quality, service and aftersales quality and network quality” said Renault Group sales and marketing chief Jérôme Stoll.
Earlier this year, Renault launched the Fluence in India and will also add the Renault-Samsung developed Koleos SUV as part of its 15 month, five model launch offensive.
