India will be the main market for new crossovers. It is assumed that both models will be available with either five or seven seats. Such SUVs are expected to go on sale next year, but harbingers may be presented earlier.
Renault and Nissan held a joint briefing in India, during which they shared plans for their work in this country. The importance of the Indian market for alliance partners was emphasized by the participation in the event of Luca de Meo and Makoto Ushida, the leaders of the Renault and Nissan Groups, respectively. Well, the main event, perhaps, was the announcement of new crossovers of two brands.
A couple of related SUVs have so far been revealed in the form of prototypes. The names of the models have not been disclosed, but Indian specialized media believe that the Renault crossover will go on sale under the name Duster. It is known that, like the global fresh Dusters (under the Dacia and Renault brands), SUVs will be based on the CMF-B platform, and the “trolley” will be modified specifically for India: apparently, we are talking about simplification. The “other” Renault Duster will also differ in appearance. For example, the car in the picture has a different grille, bumper and headlights. And of course, the Nissan SUV will have its own design.
Future Renault and Nissan crossovers for India 1/2
Global new Renault Duster 2/2
Production will be established in India. It is assumed that crossovers will appear on the local market next year, and later they will have seven-seat versions. At the same time, it is possible that the full premiere of the forerunners of five-seater SUVs will still be held in 2024.
Let us remember that the Renault Duster was already produced in India, and it had a brother from Nissan – the Terrano. But the production of these models was stopped there long ago. By the way, if the name Duster is tipped for the new brand-new SUV, then, as expected, the name Terrano will not be revived for the Nissan crossover.
Global new Renault Duster 1/3
Global new Renault Duster 2/3
Global new Renault Duster 3/3
Meanwhile, things are not going well for both Renault and Nissan in the Indian market. The French brand produces and sells three models there: the budget hatch Kwid, the compact MPV Triber and the small SUV Kiger. And Nissan only has the Magnite crossover left. According to local media, in 2023, Renault dealers sold 48,321 cars in India (-44%), Nissan's result was 30,375 units (-12%).