Renault India has revealed the new generation Duster in Chennai, marking the return of the nameplate to the Indian market. The vehicle is the first product launched under the Renault International Game Plan 2027, a strategy positioning India as a hub for the company's operations outside Europe.

The SUV is built on the Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP), with 90 percent of its components designed specifically for the Indian market. The vehicle features a 2,657 mm wheelbase and 212 mm of ground clearance, with approach and departure angles of 26.9deg and 34.7deg respectively.

The Duster introduces three engine options, including a hybrid variant for the first time in India. The Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 pairs a 1.8L engine with a 1.4 kWh battery, designed to operate in electric mode for a claimed up to 80 percent of city driving.

Two petrol options are also available: the Turbo TCe 160, producing 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque and the Turbo TCe 100. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with a wet clutch.

The cabin features a driver-centric layout with a 10.1-inch OpenR Link multimedia system. This system incorporates Google built-in, providing native access to Google Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. A second 10.25-inch TFT display serves as the instrument cluster, capable of replicating navigation data.

Additional interior features include:

• Ventilated and electric front seats.
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning with a PM2.5 air quality filter.
• Panoramic sunroof and electric tailgate.
• 17 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. We now have a strong ecosystem in Chennai, bringing together design, engineering, manufacturing, and local operations at the highest level - making India one of the most complete and powerful hubs in Renault’s global network. The new Renault Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India.”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, added, “With the new Renault Group Modular Platform, Renault brings an advanced hybrid technology and top-tier safety engineering. With Renault Forever program, we also offer our customers a significantly improved ownership experience. New Renault Duster is the start of a renewed product cycle and for an exciting trajectory for Renault in India. Renault is back.”

The vehicle comes with an industry first 7-year or 150,000 km warranty under the Renault Forever programme. Pre-bookings are open via the 'R Pass', with official pricing expected in mid-March 2026. Deliveries for petrol variants will commence in April 2026, while the Strong Hybrid version is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced a strategic partnership with CSC (Common Services Centre) Grameen eStore to extend its sales network into India's semi-urban and rural markets.

Through this collaboration, Skoda's current portfolio – including the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia – will be accessible via the CSC digital-first platform. This move makes Skoda one of the few premium automotive brands to leverage the vast network of local Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) to bridge the accessibility gap in non-metropolitan regions.

The partnership utilises a hybrid model that combines digital discovery with physical fulfilment. Customers in remote areas can explore and initiate inquiries for Skoda vehicles through the Grameen eStore platform. Local entrepreneurs at CSC centres will assist customers with product details and purchase journeys. Once a purchase is initiated via the CSC network, the final delivery and subsequent vehicle servicing will be handled by Skoda Auto India’s existing dealership infrastructure.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our growth journey is anchored in improving accessibility and building relevance across newer markets. Our partnership with CSC Grameen eStore allows us to bridge access gaps by combining the strength of a trusted local network with our diverse product portfolio that democratises technology for Indian customers. This initiative will bring Skoda Auto closer to customers, enabling them to experience our products and services more conveniently, regardless of their location, creating a more inclusive and accessible mobility ecosystem.”

The CSC Grameen eStore has become a vital channel for automotive manufacturers looking to tap into India's ‘Bharat’ market. For Skoda, this partnership scales its reach significantly without the immediate need for capital-intensive physical showroom expansions in lower-tier cities, while still maintaining the premium service standards provided by its authorized dealers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Renault India has officially launched the updated 2026 Triber, introducing several segment-first comfort and convenience features aimed at strengthening its position in the compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market.

The upgraded model priced between INR 580,875 and INR 800,350 (ex-showroom) focuses on making premium features more accessible across the variant lineup, specifically targeting family buyers who require modularity and enhanced cabin technology.

The 2026 Triber introduces features typically found in higher-segment vehicles to improve the ‘value-driven premium’ experience, which includes Automatic Climate Control in the top-end Emotion variant. New 2nd-row full-fold seats increase the total boot capacity to a segment-best 1,065 litres.  The standard one-touch tumble function remains for easy access to the third row.

It also gets a new dual-tone dashboard featuring a 20.32 cm (8-inch) floating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2026 Triber is available in four distinct trims, with upgrades distributed across the mid and top-tier variants:

Mechanically, the Renault Triber continues to come with the 1.0-litre petrol engine delivering 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed Easy-R AMT (available in the Emotion trim for INR 847,950).

In terms of safety, Renault has standardised 21 features across all variants, including 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Francisco Hidalgo Marques, Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Renault India, said, "The Second-Generation Renault Triber has been celebrated as the ultimate family car in the segment, and with this thoughtful upgrade we’ve taken practicality and comfort to the next level. By introducing segment-first features like automatic air conditioning, full-fold second-row seats with best-in-class boot space, and the standard one-touch tumble function for easy third-row access, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering unmatched value to our customers. We are confident that these enhancements will strengthen Triber’s position as the first choice for families across India."

To boost ownership confidence, the 2026 Triber comes with a 3-year standard warranty, which can be extended up to 7 years with unlimited kilometres under the Renault Secure programme.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Renault Group UK has appointed Gary Pearson as Head of Sales for Renault and Dacia. The move strengthens the company’s commercial leadership at a time when both marques are gaining traction in the British market. Pearson brings over 25 years of industry experience, having worked for established global automakers as well as agile challenger brands.

His career began with a 16-year tenure at Audi, where he held senior roles in sales, marketing and network development. He later moved into global and start up environments, including positions at McLaren and INEOS Automotive. Most recently, Pearson held senior commercial posts at Andersen EV and Morgan Motor Company, focusing on growth, brand positioning and commercial performance. His work with retailer networks and international corporate operations has given him a broad perspective on the current automotive landscape.

A key early priority for Pearson will be collaborating with the sales operations team to build momentum and ensure strong internal alignment, supporting further growth for both brands. He joined Renault Group UK on 28 April and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Maple Cross.

Ben Fish, Sales & Network Operations Director, Renault Group UK, said, “Gary understands how to drive performance in complex environments, whether that’s within large OEM structures or newer, more agile businesses. That combination is particularly valuable as we continue to evolve our sales operations and strengthen how we support our retailers. His experience and approach make him a strong fit for the team, and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact he will have across Renault and Dacia’s portfolios.”

Pearson said, “The UK market is at a really interesting point, with rapid change in both customer expectations and the broader shift to electrification. Renault and Dacia are both well positioned, with clear identities and strong product line-ups across their car and LCV ranges that speak directly to those changes. I’m looking forward to working closely with the retailer network and the wider team to build on that momentum and ensure we continue to deliver for customers in a very competitive environment.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese automotive luxury brand Lexus India has announced a standard 8-year/200,000 km warranty for all new vehicles sold from 1 April 2026.

This makes it the first luxury manufacturer in India to offer such extensive coverage. This enhancement significantly upgrades the brand's previous 8-year/160,000 km programme (introduced in 2024), specifically increasing the mileage cap to accommodate high-usage owners.

The initiative is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Omotenashi – anticipating customer needs – and aims to bolster resale value while providing long-term security.

The updated policy is designed to be comprehensive and ‘guest-centric,’ requiring no additional premium from the buyer.

As per the company, all new Lexus models sold in India starting 1 April 2026 will now get 8 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) warranty from the date of delivery. The warranty is part of a broader ‘Lexus Life’ ecosystem that includes tailored finance plans, insurance and 24x7 roadside assistance.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!