Renault's fortune changer in the Indian market, the Duster SUV, has tasted resounding success around the world too. It’s been in India for two years, and it was first launched globally in 2010, yet interestingly, India is today the world's fourth-largest market for the Renault Duster.
And now, the landmark one millionth car has rolled off the assembly line in Brazil, one among over 100 countries the Duster is sold in, badged either as a Renault or a Dacia.
“Duster is a truly global success story,” explains Arnaud Deboeuf, the Renault group’s entry programme director. “With Renault branding, it perfectly meets the demands of our international customers and is contributing to Renault’s expansion in emerging markets. At the same time, the Dacia-badged version sold in Europe and our Mediterranean Basin markets has succeeded in attracting a new clientele to the brand thanks to the styling and genuine all-terrain capability it delivers for an affordable price. Duster is definitely a model that is winning us new customers.”
There are different versions available of the Duster in various markets – a severe cold climate version for Russia, a flexible fuel version for Brazil and our very own Indian version with right-hand-drive and specially designed interiors, among others. Other markets also get the option of a 4x4 version and an automatic gearbox. The SUV is manufactured in five facilities worldwide – Pitesti in Romania, Curitiba in Brazil, Envigado in Colombia, Moscow in Russia and Chennai.
SAMARPAN BHOWMIK