French automotive major Renault is adopting a cautious approach toward India’s electric vehicle (EV) segment, stating it will wait for the EV ecosystem to mature before entering the space. The company also confirmed that it expects to finalise the acquisition of Nissan’s stake in their Chennai manufacturing facility “very soon”.
“We are doing our analysis. We are looking for the whole ecosystem to mature before we put the product in place,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Managing Director, Renault India. According to him, “The company is closely monitoring three/key elements — market readiness, regulatory clarity, and infrastructure development — before making a foray, a foray into the Indian EV sector.”
Renault to Offer Multi-Powertrain Options
Renault emphasised its commitment to offering multi-powertrain solutions for Indian customers, including CNG, hybrid, ethanol, and electric vehicles. Mamillapalle asserted that the company already possesses the necessary technology for alternate fuel vehicles, stating, “We have everything at arm’s length… hybrid, ethanol, or EVs — everything is available with us. It’s in my kitchen.”
He added that product launches would be rolled out “at the appropriate time, one at a time,” as Renault closely observes market evolution.
Manufacturing Capacity and Strategic Expansion
The automaker is currently in the process of acquiring Nissan’s 51% stake in Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd. (RNAIPL) as part of a framework agreement signed in March. The move is expected to give Renault greater control over its Indian manufacturing operations.
Mamillapalle noted that Renault’s first goal is not just increasing market share but optimising plant capacity in partnership with Nissan. “More than the market share, the first priority is to utilise the plant capacity,” he said.
Product Lineup and New Launches
Renault recently launched the all-new Triber, a seven-seater Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), at a starting price of ₹6.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The vehicle is over 90% localised, reinforcing Renault’s long-term commitment to India.
“India remains a cornerstone of Renault’s global strategy, driven by a strong product pipeline, expanding export operations, and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction,” Mamillapalle said.
The new Triber is the beginning of what Renault says will be four new product launches over the next two years. Mamillapalle hinted that this is part of a broader product lineup strategy and not the culmination of its market efforts.
Current Portfolio and Market Performance
As of now, Renault India offers three models — the Kwid hatchback, Kiger compact SUV, and Triber MPV. However, the company reported a 30% year-on-year decline in domestic sales for the April-June quarter, selling 7,729 units compared to 10,969 in the same period last year. Renault’s current market share in India stands at less than 1%.
Despite the dip, the company has set an ambitious target of capturing 5% of India’s car market, which is currently the third-largest in the world by sales volume.
Conclusion
Renault’s measured approach reflects a broader sentiment among global automakers that India’s EV infrastructure and regulatory environment must evolve further before substantial investments are made. With a solid pipeline, ongoing capacity expansion, and plans to diversify its powertrain offerings, Renault appears poised to deepen its presence in India — but only when the ecosystem is ready.