Renault India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault Group, has initiated exports of the all-new Duster. The inaugural shipment, comprising 750 vehicles, departed from Chennai, India, bound for South Africa. This milestone marks the official start of Renault India’s export program for the new Duster, with plans to expand to additional international markets in the coming months.
India's Growing Role in Global Exports
This development underscores India's increasing strategic importance within Renault Group’s global manufacturing and export network. It aligns with the company's broader strategy to solidify India's position as a key hub for manufacturing, engineering, and exports.
Stephane Deblaise, CEO of Renault Group India, emphasized the significance of this moment. “The start of exports of the all-new Duster is an important moment for Renault India and a strong validation of the quality, capabilities, and competitiveness of our operations in Chennai. It reflects the progress we have made in building India into an integral part of Renault’s global industrial footprint,” Deblaise stated.
Ambitious Export Targets for 2030
The French carmaker has set an ambitious goal, targeting annual vehicle and component exports worth €2 billion from India by 2030. Deblaise highlighted India's potential, noting, “India possesses all the fundamentals required to emerge as a leading automotive export hub: world-class manufacturing capabilities, engineering talent, scale and a rapidly evolving logistics ecosystem.”
He added that as Renault expands its international presence, India will play an increasingly vital role in future plans. The company remains committed to supporting India’s manufacturing ambitions and actively working towards achieving its €2 billion annual export objective by the end of the decade.
The All-New Duster: A Global Product
The new Duster is the first Renault vehicle manufactured in India to be built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP). This flexible architecture is engineered to support a variety of powertrain technologies, showcasing its adaptability for diverse market needs. Furthermore, the new Duster has achieved a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating across all its variants and powertrain options, reinforcing its readiness for both domestic sales and international markets.
Looking ahead, Renault plans to significantly bolster its presence in the Indian market by expanding its product portfolio to seven models by 2030, further integrating India into its global strategy.