Nissan and Renault have already revealed their plans for India as they plan to invest Rs 5,300 crore towards the Indian Automotive market. Thus, on further revealing its plans and portfolio, which will follow the expansion by announcing four new sport utility vehicles (SUVs), which are expected to hit the market starting in 2025.
Nissan informed the media on Wednesday that it will keep funding Ampere, an electric vehicle (EV) startup, even though Renault decided not to list the company. Following that, The president and CEO of both businesses, Makoto Uchida, announced on Wednesday that they will each introduce a five- and seven-seat SUV. These models are all going to be produced in India. Six automobiles for both domestic and foreign consumers will be produced by the Renault-Nissan cooperation at its Chennai facility. It is reported that 2.7 million automobiles are produced annually by Renault Nissan Automotive India. About 480 automobiles are produced daily at the Chennai factory.
Now, let’s move on to the details of upcoming SUVs
All new Duster with Fresh Looks and Features
The third-gen Duster is expected for a market launch around Diwali 2025. Now, the French carmaker has confirmed that a seven-seater SUV based on the Duster will also be brought to India. A test mule of the same was recently spotted doing trial runs on foreign soil. Based on the CMF-B platform co-developed by the Renault-Nissan alliance, the next Duster is expected to have an innovative design that takes aspects from the concept of the Duster Bigster.
A 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 3-spoke steering wheel, Y-shaped LED daytime running lights, and cutting-edge safety technologies like automated emergency braking and lane change warning are all included. Also to be noted Three engine options will be available for the SUV, including a turbocharged and hybrid gasoline engine.
Nissan to have its own “Duster”
According to the Reanult-Nissan Alliance group, Nissan will introduce rebadged versions of the two future Renault vehicles. To refresh memories, Nissan first competed in the small C-segment SUV market with the Terrano, a rebadged Duster, and then the Kicks. Nissan withdrew the Kicks last year when the BS6 standards went into effect, while the Terrano was withdrawn in April 2020 following the implementation of BS6 emission requirements.
During their time, Terrano and Kicks were unable to achieve any significant volume sales in the Indian market. With the impending C-segment SUV duos, Nissan hopes to turn around its financial situation. During the press briefing, the Alliance also unveiled a teaser photo of the forthcoming Duster and its Nissan equivalent, emphasizing their unique designs.
The Nissan SUV appears more streamlined and urban, while the Renault SUV's front fascia and grille are more brash, muscular, and rugged in the teaser image. For those who are unaware, the third-generation Renault Duster made its debut abroad last month. Thus, we already have a decent notion of the Duster's appearance. We now know that Nissan's version of the SUV will feature a completely new top cap.
Powertrain Options
The new Renault Duster gets three powertrain options— a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit with a mild hybrid system, a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol unit mated to a 48V battery, and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill. All-wheel drive options will be offered as per market requirements.
Nissan competitors will have access to the same range of powertrain choices. Once the Renault Duster and its Nissan counterpart are introduced, they will face competition from the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Skoda Kushaq, among other vehicles. Conversely, the Mahindra XUC700, Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar will face off against the seven-seat versions of the corresponding SUVs.
Also, to be kept in account is Renault is planning to sell a stake of about 2.5 percent in Nissan shares to the Japanese carmaker in a deal that could generate up to €362 million which will steeply affect the whole automotive market all at once.
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