Renault launches 2WD Duster SUV with 60 percent localisation, plans to export 4WD model to the UK by end-2012

New Delhi, July 4, 2012: Despite its late entry into the Indian market, French carmaker Renault has reiterated its seriousness to grow in India with the launch of its fourth product, the two-wheel-drive Duster SUV. The Duster bears competitive pricing at Rs 7.19 lakh for the base petrol version and Rs 11.29 lakh for the top-end diesel offering (both prices, ex-showroom New Delhi). Marc Nassif, managing director, Renault India says that the four-wheel-drive Duster will be introduced later as demand and volumes pick up.

Meanwhile, exports of the right-hand-drive 4WD Duster are slated to kick off to the UK from the Renault Nissan manufacturing facility at Oragadam, near Chennai, by the year end. To be exported under the Dacia brand, the Duster will be priced differently as well as have different specifications for the UK market. Subsequently, the Duster will be exported to other right-hand-drive countries as well.

Given the ongoing slowdown in Europe, demand in the UK is believed to be for a low-cost SUV and hence the Duster will not be fitted with all the features provided for the Indian market. The India-market Duster comes with a host of features and styling cues. It also gets active and passive safety features like dual airbags for driver and passenger, ABS, EBD with Brake Assist and a monocoque body with side-impact beams.

Interestingly, Renault has different marketing strategies for its global markets; in India it is keen to make headway with its Renault brand though the Duster belongs to the same Dacia and Renault platform.

Along with Nissan, Renault has a production capacity of 400,000 units per annum at Oragadam and Nassif says that the plant is currently working three shifts. One production line is close to producing 200,000 units annually while the second production line has been added in March this year. However, he adds that initial production targets for the Duster will be dictated by market demand as will further ramp-up of capacity.

The Duster has both petrol and diesel engine options. The two diesel powerplants on offer are Renault's 1.5 K9K THP, dCi engine (108.5bhp at 3900rpm/25.28kgm at 2250rpm) mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and claimed to deliver 19.01kpl. The other diesel is the 1.5 dCi K9K HP engine (84bhp at 3750rpm/20.4kgm at 1900rpm) with a 5-speed manual transmission and claimed to deliver 20.45kpl. The petrol Duster, powered by the 1.6-litre K4M engine (102.5bhp at 5850rpm/14.7kgm at 3750rpm) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission is claimed to deliver 13.24kpl.

Though the Duster comes with manual transmission, the availability of an automatic transmission later is not being ruled out, depending on demand. While the Duster makes its debut in India with 60 percent localisation content including the K9K diesel engine, the petrol engine is being sourced from Renault's European plants. Further localisation of the Duster to 80 percent is on the cards within 12 months.

The Duster has already received 4,000 bookings prior to its official launch, according to Len Curran, vice-president, sales and marketing, Renault India (pictured above with Marc Nassif).

Will it be a game-changer for Renault in India?

The Duster, with its competitive pricing strategy, is being projected as a game-changer for Renault in India. The Duster rides on the USP of fuel efficiency of a premium hatchback, the comfort and manoeuvrability of a saloon, and the roominess of an SUV.

As such, the Duster targets vehicles across a wide gamut of segments such as SUVs (Mahindra Scorpio), premium hatchbacks (Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20) and saloons (Hyundai Verna, VW Vento) and will be marketed in eight variants. These will be its biggest competitors although the company expects saloon buyers to gravitate towards the Duster due to its lower pricing and value propositions. In the near future, it will face new competition from the Ford EcoSport SUV, Mahindra Mini-Xylo.

Renault, which sold over 300,000 Dusters last year, sold 1,147 units of its three models in India -- 489 Fluence saloons, 60 Koleos SUVs and 1,030 Pulse hatchbacks in April-May 2012. It is targeting sales of around 30,000 units from all its five models by this year end.

To drive customer satisfaction, the company is offering a 'Renault Complete Care' service package which includes a 2+2 years/80,000km warranty, labour-free service at 2,000, 10,000 and 20,000km with 24/7 roadside assistance through a dedicated call centre.

Renault Duster prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) Petrol 102.5bhp: RXE: Rs 7.19 lakh/RXL: Rs 8.19 lakh Diesel 84bhp: RXE: Rs 7.99 lakh/RXL: Rs 8.99 lakh/RXL Pack: Rs 9.99 lakh Diesel 108bhp: RXL: Rs 9.99 lakh/RXZ: Rs 10.99 lakh/RXZ Pack: Rs 11.29 lakh.

SHOBHA MATHUR