In Conversation with Sumit Sawhney- Executive Director Renault India on Will on Wheels

On the completion of Deepa Malik's epic drive on Duster, we spoke to Sumit Sawhney, Executive Director- Renault India about their association with such an inspiriting initiative.

1. What is Renault's take on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility? With an initiative such as 'Will On Wheels', how beneficial is it for the society as a whole?

· CSR programs are crucial for companies to utilise their competencies for the benefit of the society. Renault is globally committed to giving back to society by leveraging our core competencies, through programs that include spreading awareness on responsible driving, as well as by helping highlight the mobility needs of all.

· We also believe strongly in spreading awareness as part of our endeavour to contribute to a better tomorrow. CSR initiatives such as WOW are the first step in ensuring a better informed society, which is itself crucial in ensuring a better tomorrow

2. What motivated you the most to get associated with Deepa Malik and sponsor such an epic drive?

Renault globally has a very strong CSR program focused on four pillars – education, safety, sustainable mobility for all and diversity At Renault we believe such programs can help not just in ensuring a better community today, but also a brighter future for the coming generations Towards this, Renault India has also partnered with Linc for the Spelling initiative that aims to teach students across the nation tips on responsible driving through the medium of a spelling bee competition. This initiative was recently rolled out and we will have more information to share in a short time Drives such as the WOW project help us in another crucial area – that of spreading awareness about the mobility needs of people across our society. Deepa’s mission to spread awareness on a life beyond disability, with mobility being at the centre of this transition, reflects Renault’s commitment to contribute towards easy and sustainable mobility for all.

 3. How has been the response for the drive, we have been hearing a lot of good about the initiative?

We are very happy with the progress of the drive and also by the fact that we have been able to shine a light on Deepa’s efforts across the country. We have seen a warm response on our social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter on which we have been providing regular updates of the drive, as well as an enthusiasm from our employees and the general public.

4. Renault projected Duster as an urban SUV, though the vehicle is equally good as a long term tourer. So, after this epic drive, how do think this SUV is going to benefit from an initiative of this kind?

· Duster’s popularity in the market has been mainly due to its ability to offer the flexibility and great ride and handling of a sedan as well as the roominess and ruggedness of a SUV, offering a unique mix of efficiency, roominess, adventure and comfort. With more and more families wanting to take weekend vacation drives, the Duster has been an ideal vehicle that meets both the space and the comfort requirements as well as sheer driving pleasure on those long drives. The enjoyment of just such a drive was the aim behind the recently launched Gangs of Duster, which saw its first tour – the West Coast Expedition – take Duster owners from Mumbai, through Panhala, Dandeli, Goa and Kolad before culminating back in Mumbai. Moreover, Duster has also proven to be a strong and diverse product, with  equal popularity among female drivers. Duster’s acceptability across driver groups have been one of its key pillars of success.

· The WOW team’s choice of the Renault Duster for the drive is further reflective of Duster’s ability to comfortably and safely transverse the country. It is also a matter of great pride to us that Deepa will be attempting to create her record in a Duster – a testament both to her indomitable spirit as well as the Duster’s reliability and performance

5. Would Renault be open to an association with Universities like Sathyabhama which are involved in projects that help benefit differently abled individuals in the near future?

Renault believes in enabling programs that contribute to the betterment of society by leveraging the best available opportunities, with education being one of our areas of focus globally. We will continue to work towards such programs in the future and will make the appropriate announcements at the right time.

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