Nissan’s Creta rival SUV could also go on sale in India around the same time.
The Renault-Nissan alliance has begun developing its midsize SUVs for the Indian market after committing USD 600 million (approximately Rs 5,300 crore) for its subsequent investment phase. The alliance anticipates a combined volume of 1.5 lakh units per year for all four vehicles by 2026, both for the domestic and export markets. Four vehicles are being prepared for India.
- 5-seat Duster likely to come by Diwali 2025
- 3-row version of Duster to come by June 2026
- Both SUVs to have their Nissan counterparts
Renault-Nissan’s India SUV game plan
Our sister distribution Autocar Proficient discovers that the organization has begun work on projects P1311-R and P-1312-R – the B+ and C section SUVs for Renault – and P1311-N and P-1312-N for Nissan taking special care of a similar fragment. It’s possible that these are the SUVs with five seats and three rows. According to sources, the alliance partners anticipate producing and selling approximately 3.5 lakh units annually by 2026.
By Diwali 2025 First Model Will Be On Road
“By Diwali 2025, the first model based on the CMF-B platform is likely to be on the road. It’s probably a Renault Duster of the latest generation, with a Nissan version coming out around the same time. In no less than a half year, a more drawn out variant of these models will be sent off – around mid-June 2026,” said a source, mentioning secrecy.
Both SUVs to be petrol only for starters
Renault and Nissan’s midsize SUVs will probably only come with petrol engines. In the next two years, the group will look at how much people want hybrid powertrains. If it finds that people want electrified cars, it might import the kit and sell it as a top-of-the-line version.
However, there are currently no plans to localize hybrids. Up until the time this story was published, no response was received from Renault India when an email was sent.
Nissan Is Focusing On Client’s Requirement
Nissan Engine India representative said, at this stage, the organization can’t uncover particulars, yet added, “Nissan focuses on client’s requirements and inclinations while growing new vehicles. We are putting together an exciting pipeline of new products that will satisfy customer needs and local conditions and target domestic and export markets for long-term expansion.
Renault Nissan India investment plans
In February 2023, the Renault-Nissan group announced an additional investment of $600m towards investment in new products and technologies. As per the investment plan, the Renault Nissan duo will introduce three new manufactured products each, two C-segment SUVs and one A-SUV in the EV space.
“This significant investment underlines our commitment to the Indian market and our determination to bring the latest technology and innovation to our customers,” added a Nissan Motor spokesperson.
Renault Nissan Planning To Increase Utilization
Ashwani Gupta, the global CEO of Nissan Motor Corporation had announced that they plan to increase the current plant’s utilization from its existing 49 percent to 80 percent (4.5 lakh units), helped by both domestic and new exports in the next four to five years.
“Selling 4.5 Lakhs Is No More A Dream”- Ashwini Gupta
“Today we are addressing just 15 percent of the market and securing a 1.5 percent share. If we expand our coverage to 40 percent, a 3.5 percent market share is doable I think. Nissan can do about 2 lakh units of domestic volumes, and if you add exports, making and selling 4.5 lakh cars is no more a dream.