Renault bets on Duster revival to rebuild India business with premium SUV push

French automaker Renault is preparing a fresh push in India by reviving the Duster SUV, a model that once helped define the country’s mid-size SUV segment, as part of a wider strategy shift toward higher-value offerings in its struggling Indian business.

Renault plans to reveal the new Duster on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day), betting that renewed demand in India’s fast-growing SUV category will help the brand regain relevance after years of declining volumes.

India share below 1% as Renault targets turnaround

Renault’s India market share has fallen from roughly 4% a decade ago to under 1%, Reuters reported, as the company lost momentum following the earlier success of models like the Duster.

The company is now aiming to expand its India portfolio, doubling its lineup and potentially tripling sales, as part of Renault’s broader International Game Plan 2027.

New leadership for India transformation

Renault has appointed Stéphane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group in India, effective September 1, 2025, to lead the next phase of the company’s India strategy.

Deblaise reports to François Provost, Renault Group’s chief of procurement, partnerships and public affairs, Renault said in its official announcement. 

Renault takes full control of Chennai plant

Renault has also strengthened its manufacturing position in India by taking full ownership of its Chennai facility.

In August 2025, Renault acquired Nissan’s 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL), making the Chennai plant a wholly owned Renault subsidiary and consolidating it in the group’s financial statements.

The company has positioned India as a key manufacturing and export base under its international plan. 

Duster roadmap: more models and electrified options

Renault has said the Duster relaunch will be followed by a larger SUV and an electric vehicle as it targets India’s premium and high-growth segments.

Supplier estimates cited by Reuters suggest annual Duster production could reach 130,000–140,000 units, a sharp increase from Renault’s India volumes of about 41,000 vehicles in 2024.

Why This Matters

India is expected to become a 6 million-unit car market by 2030, making it one of the most critical battlegrounds for global automakers.

For Renault, the Duster revival is not just a model launch — it is a test of whether the company can reposition itself beyond entry-level cars and compete in the SUV segments driving the next cycle of growth in India.

Summary

• Renault will reveal the new Duster in India on January 26, 2026, aiming to rebuild its presence. 
• The company is shifting toward premium SUV offerings after its market share fell below 1%. 
• Stéphane Deblaise has been appointed CEO of Renault Group in India (effective Sept 1, 2025). 
• Renault now fully owns its Chennai plant after acquiring Nissan’s 51% stake in 2025. 

FAQs

Q1: When will Renault reveal the new Duster in India?

Renault plans to reveal the new Duster on January 26, 2026 (Republic Day).

Q2: Who is leading Renault in India now?

Renault appointed Stéphane Deblaise as CEO of Renault Group in India, effective September 1, 2025. 

Q3: What is Renault’s current market share in India?

Reuters reported Renault’s market share is under 1%, down from about 4% a decade earlier.

Q4: Does Renault own its Chennai factory?

Yes. Renault acquired Nissan’s 51% stake in the Chennai plant in 2025, making it fully owned by Renault Group.

Q5: What comes after the Duster launch?

Reuters reported Renault plans a larger SUV and an electric vehicle as part of its India comeback strategy.