SCOOP- Nissan to introduce Duster as well

As Renault and Nissan have been sharing engines, platforms and manufacturing facilities, the Japanese counterpart will also introduce the Duster SUV in its India portfolio. This car will be the same as the existing Renault Duster, except for a swap of badges. The Nissan version of the Duster is expected to be launched around Diwali, which will be after the introduction of the Evalia in August-September. The engine offerings on the Nissan SUV will be the same – 1.5-litre diesel with two power ratings and 1.6-litre petrol mill. There won’t be much of a difference in the pricing of the Renault and Nissan’s SUV and the set-up will be something similar to the Micra-Pulse. This SUV will also compete with the Tata Safari Storme, Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster and the Ford EcoSport.

The Renault-Nissan plant will not just produce the Duster for India, but will also export it to other right-hand drive markets like the UK. That is where the Duster will be sold under the Dacia badge. Hence, the production capacity of this facility is fairly high with a capacity of 40,000-50,000 units. The Renault Duster will be launched on the 4th of July.