BANGALORE: The hugely popular and affordable SUV (
sports utility vehicle) Duster has driven
Renault India into the top 15 global markets for its 42-billion-euro French parent in just 24 months. Given the order book and demand for the car, Renault India is expected to enter the list of top 10 global markets of its parent company as early as next year, said Marc Nassif, MD, Renault India.
The auto manufacturer, which launched its operations in the country in mid 2011, has sold around 70,000 units of the Duster in less than 18 months. Overall, Renault India has sold close to a lakh units across its product portfolio, which includes the Scala, Pulse, Fluence and Koleos.
"From having no presence on the global map in 2012, Renault India at present is the 12th biggest market globally for the company, thanks to Duster.
India along with Russia are the fastest growing markets for the company," said Nassif, who was in the city to launch the company's fourth showroom.
For the Bangalore market, Renault has an exclusive partnership with Trident Automobiles, which also operate Hyundai and Chevrolet showrooms in the city.
Asked if Duster could breach the one-lakh unit sales mark by end of next calendar, Nassif said that given the market conditions it could be difficult.
The company has already announced that it will increase the price of its cars next year, owing to a spike in input costs and currency headwinds.
"Domestic market aside, Duster has become the most exported SUV from India, with exports of around 10,000 units by the end of this year," added Nassif. Renault India's major export markets include the UK, Ireland, and South Africa among other countries that have right-hand drive.
Renault's sub Rs 5 lakh Pulse didn't create much of a buzz in the mass automotive segm ent. "Fluence and Koleos were brought in to bring in brand awareness. We knew that the Scala and Pulse were operating in tough markets, hence we brought a product with a distinct design and bigger value with the Duster," said Nassif.
The company said the next calendar wouldn't see any new big launches, there will only be new variants of its existing products.
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