NEW DELHI – Renault India plans to expand its retail network to nearly 500 showrooms by the end of 2027 as the French carmaker prepares to add several new models to its portfolio here, according to Renault India's Vice President for Sales and Marketing, Francisco Marques.
Renault currently has more than 350 showrooms in India and has added more than 50-60 touchpoints this year, including new showrooms and workshops. The company plans to keep expanding the network as it introduces new products, Marques said.
“Every time we are going to be launching a car, it [addition of 50-60 touchpoints] will continue,” he said. “By the end of 2027, we will have launched all the new cars.”
Renault India Upcoming Cars: Seven-Seater SUV And Bridger-Based SUV
Renault has announced plans to expand its product portfolio to seven models. Currently, it has four models – the Kwid, Kiger, Triber and Duster. Three new products will include a seven-seater SUV, a sub-4-metre SUV based on its Bridger concept and another model that the company has not yet disclosed.
Why Renault Is Moving To Smaller Showrooms In Big Cities
The showroom expansion will not simply involve adding outlets, with Renault also planning to change the format and location of some dealerships. The company is moving towards smaller showrooms, particularly in large cities where rental costs have increased, while using digital displays to showcase a wider range of vehicles.
“The future is not so much into having a lot of sales points. It's not so much about the volume and the quantity, but about the quality and being right at the right place,” Marques said.
The company also plans to adjust its retail strategy to match different customer groups and its expanding product range, he said. Customers are increasingly researching vehicles online before visiting dealerships, making showroom visits more focused on pricing, testing and experiencing the vehicle.
Renault's E-Tech Hybrid Plan For India
Renault is also betting heavily on strong hybrid technology as it expands its portfolio. Marques said the company expects hybrids to become a major volume-generating technology in India as diesel demand declines and electric vehicles take more time to become the dominant technology.
“Hybrid is going to be the main volume-making technology probably for the 10, 15 or 20 years to come,” he said.
Renault plans to localise its E-Tech hybrid technology in India and is targeting customers who may otherwise consider diesel vehicles. “We have decided to go straight into hybrid, jumping over diesel. And that will have the early mover advantage,” Marques said.