The Renault–Nissan alliance has begun development of its midsize SUVs for the Indian market, having committed USD 600 million (approximately Rs 5,300 crore) in its next phase of investment. Four vehicles are being prepared for the Indian market, and by 2026, the alliance hopes to have sold 1.5 lakh units annually overall—both domestically and internationally.
- Duster with five seats should arrive by Diwali 2025.
- Duster will launch in three rows by June 2026.
- Each SUV will have a Nissan equivalent.
India’s SUV strategy by Renault-Nissan
According to information, the company has begun work on projects P1311-R and P-1312-R for Renault, which are SUVs in the B+ and C segment, as well as P1311-N and P-1312-N for Nissan, which are SUVs in the same segment. These might be the three-row versions of the five-seater SUVs. According to sources, the alliance partners hope to produce and sell roughly 3.5 lakh units annually by 2026.
By Diwali 2025, the first model built on the CMF-B platform is probably going to be available for purchase. It’s probably the latest generation Duster from Renault, though there will also be a Nissan derivative available at the same time. A longer version of these models will be released in six months, most likely in mid-June 2026, according to a source.
First, both SUVs will only run on gasoline
It’s likely that the midsize SUVs from Nissan and Renault will only have gasoline engines. After assessing the market for hybrid powertrains over the course of the next two years, the group plans to import the kit and market it as a premium option if it determines that there is a need for electrified vehicles. Hybrids are not currently intended to be localized, though. Renault India was contacted via email, but no response was received until after this story was published.
A representative for Nissan Motor India stated that while the company is unable to provide any details at this time, “Nissan prioritizes customer needs and preferences when developing new vehicles.” In order to achieve sustainable growth, we are putting together an exciting pipeline of new products that will satisfy consumer expectations and local conditions while aiming for both domestic and international markets.
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Investment plans for Renault Nissan India
The Renault-Nissan group announced an additional $600 million investment in February 2023 to be used for new product and technology development. The investment plan states that the Renault Nissan pair will each launch three new locally produced vehicles: two C-segment SUVs and one A-SUV in the EV market.
A Nissan Motor spokesperson continued, “This major investment highlights our commitment to the Indian market and our determination to bring the latest technology and innovation to our customers.”
In the next four to five years, Ashwani Gupta, the global COO of Nissan Motor Corporation, plans to boost the plant’s utilization from its current 49 percent to 80 percent (4.5 lakh units), with assistance from both new and domestic exports.
Gupta had informed staff members that obtaining a 3 percent market share in India—the third-largest market in the world—is “not a big thing,” given Nissan’s 6% global market share. Achieving 80% plant capacity utilization, he continued, “is not a big challenge.”
We are only targeting 15% of the market today, and our share is only 1.5%. I believe we can achieve a 3.5 percent market share if we increase our coverage to 40 percent. Nissan can produce and sell 4.5 lakh cars annually if you include exports in addition to its roughly 2 lakh domestic volume. You guys will deliver, I’m sure of it. There will be 2,25,000 cars for the domestic market and an additional 1,00,000 units for export if you reach a 3% market share. About his vision for India, Gupta remarked, “That is my mathematics.”
