Renault looks forward to revitalizing its Indian presence with new electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs. The company has been struggling. Its market share has recently slipped below 1%, and its average monthly sales have been lower than 4,000 units. To address this decline, Renault is innovating further by adding the Kiger EV and Triber EV, which are scheduled to roll out during FY2027.
Affordable EVs for India
Internally, the Renault Kiger EV's codename is Project RJ2K5. Production will start in the second half of 2026, and the car will hit the market in March 2027. The Kiger EV will be based on a dedicated EV platform and target mass-market buyers with a price tag below ₹15 lakh, making it one of the most affordable EVs in its segment.
The Triber EV will target the more prominent families and fleet operators. Renault plans to source the batteries from India, potentially collaborating with Tata AutoComp. This is supposed to keep prices competitive, which aligns with its objective of bringing EVs closer to Indian customers.
A New Wave of Models and Facelifts
Renault India will have another crucial year in 2025 as it is currently working on the facelifts of Kiger and Triber. After the facelifts, Renault will introduce two mid-size SUVs, Duster and Bigster, in the market in 2026.
These launches are part of the ₹5,400 crore investment plan that Renault announced with Nissan in 2021. The alliance will introduce six new models in India, marking a shift in strategy for Renault to reclaim its position in this competitive market.
Challenges and Strategic Shifts
Luca de Meo, the CEO of the Renault Group, admitted that competition in India will affect the company but said India's potential needs to be supported. He told ET that market conditions are incredibly competitive, and even the veterans have not maintained footfall.
De Meo said that to win in India, there was a need for a "secret sauce," hinting at the need for innovation rather than just talking about the value-for-money factor. He feels that Renault needs to evolve with changing Indian consumer tastes by offering products that bring value, quality, and new-age features.
Leadership and Market Focus
A new leader will now oversee Renault India's sales and marketing wings. Francisco Hidalgo Marques currently serves as the CEO of Dacia Spain. This move will bring fresh policy changes to Renault India.
A source close to the company said Renault's roadmap is more reactive than proactive, and too much reliance has been placed on facelifts and late launches. Gaining real relevance at Renault will demand a focus on product differentiation, enhanced customer experience, and proactive market engagement.
Legacy and Future Vision of Renault
The Renault group had its own success stories, such as Duster SUV, Logan sedan, and Kwid hatchback, in the Indian market, but the company has now reached an all-time low. He remains optimistic about future launches bringing Renault back on its former track, which had secured an exclusive place in the not-yet-consolidated electric vehicles market.
It is taking a bet on a balance of affordability and innovation for the company to take a chance for a turnaround toward becoming a lead player in the Indian automotive landscape.
Renault signals a critical stride in staying pertinent in a rapidly transforming marketplace, with the renewed spotlight on EVs and SUVs; the Kiger EV and Triber EV are currently leading the race ahead.
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