Renault India’s sales figures are mostly contributed by the Triber and Kwid
As FY20 comes to a close, things have been looking up for Renault India. Renault India finds its strategy bearing fruit here. In 2019, the French automaker was able to make progress despite the Indian market being constricted by the grasp of an unending sales slowdown. In 2019, Renault India’s overall sales grew by 7.9 per cent in the backdrop of 11.3 per cent market contraction.
Renault India attributes this growth to the Triber MPV and the success of the refreshed Kwid. In recent years, Renault has also managed to launch at least one successful product every within stable intervals. First, there was the Duster, then the Kwid, and in recent months, the Renault Triber. For 2019, the company’s market share rose to 2.5 per cent, up by 0.45 per cent compared to 2018.
Renault India launched its 7-seater Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) back in August 2019. Since then, monthly sales have been rewarding. In 2019, 24,142 Triber units were sold. More than half of these were in the top trim too. Renault India claims that the sub-four-metre Triber is positioned in a segment that is expected to account for nearly 50 per cent of the Indian market, by 2022.
This puts the company in a position of preparedness as it leaves no stone unturned to do better. Last month, the Renault Triber AMT dual-tone was showcased. The automatic version of the small MPV is scheduled for launch in Q2 2020. Meanwhile, a sub-four-metre compact-SUV based on the Triber’s platform is currently in the works. The same was spotted on public roads on numerous occasions. Once launched, the Renault HBC (codename) would add more spunk to the brand’s product lineup.
2020 is proving to be a period of growth for Renault India despite other manufacturers succumbing like a pack of cards. For February 2020, sales were reported at 8,784 units, up by 40.7 per cent from 6,241 units. MoM sales growth is reported at 12.5 per cent (up from 7,805 units).
Other upcoming changes in the Renault pipeline include revisions to the Duster. With 1 April 2020 being the mandated deadline for BS6 transition, Renault Duster diesel vehicles are on their way out. A 1.3L turbo petrol BS6 Duster avatar will take charge instead. The brand has ensured smooth BS6 transition with the Triber and Kwid already being compliant to the higher emission norms. With the transition somewhat restricting the brand’s portfolio from its current status, there is no doubt that the launch of HBC is something to look forward to.