Made in India Dusters Set to Burn UK, Ireland Roads as Renault India Starts Exports

Just a few days back we reported that Renault India is all set to export the made in India Duster toRight-Hand Drive countries like Western Africa, South Africa, Malaysia and Singapore. Now, Renault has flagged off its first consignment of a lot of 350 Dusters to UK and Ireland.

Made-In-India-DUSTER-EXPORT

There are 4 variants of the Duster being exported:

  • 104 BHP 1.6-litre petrol
  • 110 BHP diesel
  • 90 BHP diesel
  • A 4×4 variant, specifically assembled for the export market

Now you’ll ask that why we ain’t getting that 4X4 monster in India? Well, the answer lies here: Presently, Renault India is importing various components needed to make a 4X4 SUV, and assembling them at the company’s Orgadam plant. What we think is, Renault doesn’t want to introduce the 4X4 version of the Duster right now as few components are imported and it will take the cost higher, thus losing out to the competition.

We hope they’re working their best to localize it as soon as possible and bring the game on to the terrains! Moreover, the price band of the 4×2 regular Duster spans across to 13 Lac on road for a few cities. The 4×4 Duster would obviously sit over it which takes the price even higher. And, talking even from an enthusiast’ perspective, Duster is just not a 14-15 Lac product.

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Duster D-Cross Concept. Click on the image to know more about it.
“We created a whole new segment in the Indian automotive market with the Duster launch in July this year and demonstrated Renault’s commitment to the Indian market with the introduction of a reliable, efficient and innovative vehicle. India is an important market for Renault globally, with the country set to become one of the top ten markets for the company worldwide by 2013 and to sustain this ambition an unprecedented five models have been launched in the Indian market along with setting up of 75 dealerships in less than 18 month which is the fastest ramp up in the Indian market ”, said Mr. Marc Nassif, MD of Renault India.

He added, ” We will continue to focus on meeting domestic demand in India, while also exploring new opportunities in exports and in making India the global hub for right-hand drive vehicles.

Duster, in India has been a runaway success with the company managing to sell approx 19,000 units since its launch in July till November. However, would the party continue as its chief nemesis Ford EcoSport makes its way in early 2013?

Also Read: Renault Duster Diesel: An Owner’s View – Venkat Talks About His Duster

 

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Arghya Pan

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