NEW DELHI (Feb 26, 2026) — Renault India is officially ending its “hibernation” with the launch of the all-new Duster, the cornerstone of its aggressive ₹5,400 crore “Renault Rethink” strategy.
The “Rethink” Strategy
Francisco Hidalgo, VP of Sales and Marketing, emphasized that the Duster is not the conclusion of their new plan, but the starting point.
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Design in India: The strategy focuses on premium, tech-heavy SUVs tailored specifically for the Indian market.
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Massive Investment: Supported by a ₹5,400 crore budget, the plan includes the acquisition of the Chennai plant and the opening of Renault’s largest design center outside France.
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Aggressive Growth: After reporting 33.6% year-on-year growth in January 2026, Renault aims to go “full power” to reclaim its market share.
Segment-First Technology
The new Duster is being positioned as the “best Duster globally,” featuring tech specifically developed for India:
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Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160: A first for Renault in India, featuring a 1.8L engine and a 1.4 kWh battery.
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Exclusive Features: Unlike global versions, the Indian model includes an electric tailgate, all-opening sunroof, and Google built-in.
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Peace of Mind: Renault is launching a seven-year warranty and the “Renault Forever” program to boost ownership confidence.
Key Dates & Community
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Price Reveal: Official pricing will be announced on March 17, 2026.
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Deliveries: Customer deliveries for petrol variants are set to begin in April 2026.
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“Gang of Dusters”: Renault plans to revive its iconic owner community to rebuild the emotional connection with the brand.
Hidalgo noted that while pure EVs are in Renault’s future, the immediate focus remains on dominating the mid-size SUV category with superior hybrid technology.
