Renault India has commenced global exports of the all-new Duster, marking another important milestone in the brand’s India operations. The first consignment of 750 units of the new Duster has departed from Chennai port and is headed for South Africa. Renault has confirmed that exports to additional international markets will begin in the coming months.
The export program highlights the growing importance of India within Renault Group’s global manufacturing and supply chain network. The company is continuously increasing investment in local manufacturing, engineering and export capabilities as part of its broader ‘FutureReady’ strategy.
India is emerging as a major export hub
Commenting on the occasion, Stéphane DeBlois, CEO of Renault Group IndiaSaid that the commencement of exports for the all-new Duster validates the quality, competitiveness and manufacturing capabilities of Renault’s Chennai facility. The start of Duster exports also signals Renault’s confidence in the Indian manufacturing base, especially as the company prepares to expand its product portfolio in the country over the next few years.
He highlighted India’s potential as a global automotive export hub, citing improvements in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem, engineering talent and logistics infrastructure. Renault has also outlined an ambitious target to generate annual exports of €2 billion from India by 2030, with future export volumes expected to play a key role in achieving this objective.
The new Duster is based on the RGMP platform
The all-new Duster is the first Renault vehicle built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP) in India. This new architecture has been developed to support multiple powertrain technologies and allows greater flexibility for future product development. Prices in India start from Rs 10.5 lakh. Earlier this month, Duster India sales achieved the 5k milestone.
Apart from improved scalability, the rGMP platform is expected to offer better structural rigidity, improved safety and compatibility with electrified powertrain options in the future. Renault recently revealed that the new Duster has achieved a 5-star India NCAP safety rating across all variants and powertrain options. This achievement strengthens its appeal not only in the domestic market but also in export destinations where safety standards are becoming increasingly important.
Important products for Renault India
The return of the Duster brand is an important part of Renault India’s revival strategy. The original Duster achieved strong popularity in India and helped establish Renault as a mainstream passenger vehicle manufacturer. However, after its discontinuation, Renault’s portfolio has been largely limited to the Kwid, Kiger and Triber.
The new generation Duster is expected to play an important role in Renault’s future growth plans in India and overseas markets. Renault has launched many new ones in the coming years. The next launch planned for the end of this financial year is a Duster 7 seater variant, while a sub 4 meter bridger SUV is planned for Diwali 2027.