French automaker Renault has achieved a substantial milestone in India, crossing a 9 lakh sales landmark. Renault has its share of ups and down in the Indian market. They entered the Indian market in 2005 in partnership with Mahindra by developing its first sedan, Logan. The partnership did not go well, and in 2011 Renault decided to embark on its own journey by launching the Fluence and Koleos. Renault has invested heavily in the Indian market by establishing its manufacturing facility in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in alliance with Nissan India.
Renault has tasted its first limelight success with the Duster. It has been a perfect SUV and has established the brand name for Renault in India. Duster's aspirational and adventurous vibe became an instant hit among enthusiasts. And yes, not to forget, it looked unique. It has created its own fanbase and has been highly popular in India. But sadly, Renault decided to axe its sale in India from the year 2022. Then came the Kwid, which lured customers with its modern and non-conventional design. And yes, it was their most affordable offering in the Indian market, rivalling Maruruti Suzuki Alto.
Currently, Renault has three products on sale in India. Kwid is the most affordable out of the three. Then there is Triber, an entry-level MPV, launched in 2019. Triber is one of the most affordable 3-row vehicles in India. In 2021, Renault India launched a sub 4m SUV- the Kiger, in India. It had its fair share of merits in its stride, the most prominent being its VFM quotient and the safety it packs. It comes with a 4-star GNCAP rating. However, Renault needs to increase its product offering in India to amplify its sales growth. Renault is also planning to launch an entry-level EV in India soon.
"We are extremely thrilled to have crossed the 9-lakh sales milestone in India. This incredible journey has been made possible by the unwavering support and belief in the brand from our esteemed customers, dedicated dealer partners, valued suppliers, and our exceptional team of employees, and engineering professionals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this remarkable achievement. Over the last few years, we have established a strong foundation in India. Company's commitment to the Indian Government's 'Make in India' vision is unwavering and Renault aims to attain 90 percent localization for its upcoming products.", says Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO & Managing Director, Renault India Operations.
