Tag Archives: India

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Renault Duster Makes Its Comeback in India

Renault is revving up its Indian ambitions with the official return of one of its most celebrated models: the Duster. Originally launched in 2012, the Duster quickly became a household name, selling over 200,000 units in India alone and carving out a thriving B+ SUV segment that now accounts for nearly a quarter of the country’s retail SUV sales.

“Renault Duster is more than just a name – it’s a true legend. A symbol of adventure, reliability and innovation,” said Stéphane Deblaise, CEO of Renault India. “Its comeback shows our commitment to the Indian market and our desire to offer vehicles that meet the needs of our customers. New Renault Duster will rely on its iconic heritage while adopting a modern design, advanced technology and enhanced performance.”

Indeed, the Duster isn’t just a car—it’s a statement of ambition, freedom, and success. Globally, Renault has sold nearly two million units of the model across 100 countries, cementing its reputation as a rugged, versatile SUV.

India itself is a market that Renault can’t afford to ignore. In 2024, the country emerged as the world’s fastest-growing car market, with a 7% increase in sales, making it the third-largest automotive market globally. The launch of the New Duster comes at a time when Renault is actively expanding its footprint outside Europe as part of its International Game Plan 2027. The strategy focuses on designing and building vehicles close to their markets of sale to meet local customer expectations more precisely.

The New Duster will roll off the assembly lines at Renault’s Chennai plant (RNAIPL), the brand’s fifth international hub following Latin America, South Korea, Turkey, and Morocco. With this move, Renault signals that it sees India as a strategic center for growth in the SUV segment.

The decision to retain the “Duster” name underscores its enduring legacy. “We decided to capitalise on the name of Duster because it is a strong, iconic name that is part of the history of Renault India,” explained Sylvia dos Santos, Head of Naming Strategy, Global Marketing Division. “Derived from the English word ‘dust’, it evokes the dust found on the roads it is capable of travelling on, reflecting the vehicle’s robustness and adventurous character.”

While details about engine options, trims, and pricing are still under wraps, one thing is clear: Renault is betting that the New Duster’s combination of heritage, modern tech, and global pedigree will resonate with Indian buyers looking for a capable, stylish, and reliable SUV.

For a country that loves its SUVs as much as it loves its cricket, the Duster’s return may just be the perfect match between nostalgia and modernity—a vehicle ready to tackle everything from city streets to dusty backroads with equal confidence.

Source: Renault

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Bentley Expands in India with Two Stunning New Showrooms in Mumbai and Bengaluru

Bentley Motors has kicked off a bold new chapter in India with the opening of two all-new showrooms — one in Mumbai and another in Bengaluru — signaling the British marque’s growing focus on one of the world’s fastest-emerging luxury car markets.

The new facilities, located at The Galleria, Trident Hotel in Mumbai and Indraprastha Invictus in Bengaluru, are designed to deliver an ownership experience that’s every bit as refined as the cars themselves. Each space follows Bentley’s global design philosophy, blending handcrafted luxury with cutting-edge technology in a setting that feels more like an art gallery than a car showroom.

British Craftsmanship Meets Indian Sophistication

Developed in partnership with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, Infinity Cars Private Limited, and Kun Premium Cars Private Limited, the showrooms aim to set new benchmarks for luxury retail in India. From bespoke vehicle configuration lounges to dedicated aftersales areas, every corner is tailored to immerse visitors in the Bentley world.

Customers are guided by a team of trained specialists offering an elevated level of personalisation — a hallmark of the brand. Whether commissioning a Bentayga EWB in a one-off paint shade or specifying custom hides for a Flying Spur, the process promises to be as exclusive as the final product.

Bentley’s Full Range Takes Centre Stage

At the launch events, guests were treated to Bentley’s full Indian portfolio — including the Bentayga, Bentayga Extended Wheelbase, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GT Convertible. Each model embodies Bentley’s core pillars: handcrafted excellence, grand touring performance, and unmistakable British luxury.

And with India’s appetite for high-end vehicles rising fast, the timing couldn’t be better.

“India is one of the fastest-growing luxury car markets in the world, offering an ideal environment for Bentley,” said Richard Leopold, Regional Director, EMEA at Bentley Motors. “Our new showrooms mark an important step in bringing the Bentley experience closer to our customers and welcoming new enthusiasts into the brand.”

Luxury Beyond the Product

For Bentley, the experience goes far beyond the car. As Abbey Thomas, Brand Director, Bentley India, put it:

“We believe luxury is defined by experience. Our showrooms are designed as warm, contemporary spaces that reflect this philosophy, placing the customer at the heart of a truly bespoke journey.”

With its renewed commitment to India — and strong cultural ties between Indian clientele and British craftsmanship — Bentley’s expansion feels both natural and strategic. These new spaces don’t just sell cars; they celebrate the art of motoring luxury in one of the most exciting markets in the world.

Source: Bentley

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India wants to be a leader in EV production

After China proved itself as a leader in EV production, another Asian country is becoming a center for carbon-neutral vehicle manufacturers. According to the latest information, India could be one of the developing countries that wants to be a leading player in the production of electric cars.

The country has devised a strategy for the development and production of electric cars, although it initially focused specifically on Tesla, which it invited to invest in the construction of a gigafactory, but the American manufacturer has focused on Mexico. However, the announcement of the new President of the United States, Donald Trump, that he will introduce additional tariffs on vehicles imported from Mexico gives India an opportunity to renew negotiations with Tesla. The American manufacturer has already suspended the construction of a factory in Mexico.

The suspension of Tesla Model 2 production in Mexico was the main motive for Musk to go to India, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled the meeting. The Indian government intends to launch its electric car production plan in March 2025, which Tesla and other major manufacturers see as a new opportunity. The plan is to expand aid to existing manufacturers rather than restricting benefits to new plant construction. India is ready to help any manufacturer that invests at least $500 million in electric vehicle production with 50 percent of components sourced locally. The government is also offering a 15 percent import tax cut for up to 8,000 electric cars a year.

Toyota and Hyundai have already shown interest, although it is not known whether they would use existing plants or build new ones. Hyundai already knows that the €500 million spent on research and development will not be included in the total investment, so the Korean company is waiting for the final guidelines for its electric car plan in India.

Volkswagen, which already has plants in India, wants to know if it could spend 75 percent of the total investment in the first three years, rather than the entire $500 million at once. Also, if VW decided to use its factories in Pune, they would have to install new lines separate from those for the production of combustion engine cars.

Source: Reuters