The Renault Duster was the game changing product from the French carmaker in India. First launched in 2012, the compact SUV was very well-received in the Indian market, mainly because Renault had the first mover advantage. However, with the growing competition the Duster has lost its sheen. The production of the 85 BHP Renault Duster diesel has been officially stopped two months ago due to supply constraints and weakening demand, and the French carmaker at present is not accepting the bookings for the same.
Renault Duster
The demand for the 85 bhp Diesel Renault Duster has been bleak for over a year and the company took a call to stop the production. Replying to NDTV carandbike about the query, an official from Renault said, “We have stopped the production of the model as of now due to disruptions in the supply chain. We are prioritizing the production of the 110 bhp diesel Renault Duster.” However, Renault is yet to decide to discontinue the 85 bhp diesel iteration of the Renault Duster altogether. The Renault Duster is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine which is tuned in two states- 85 bhp and 110 bhp.
Moreover, Renault is also managing with the existing stock of the petrol iteration of the Renault Duster and though its production hasn’t been completely halted, Renault is keeping up with its production on the basis of the demand. According to the dealers, the Renault Duster petrol has a waiting period of over two months. The petrol iteration of the Renault duster is also a 1.5-litre unit which churns out 106 bhp.
In India, Renault was the pioneer in the compact SUV segment with the Duster and it served the purpose of those who wanted an SUV, but not a pricey one. Initially, it gave Renault an edge but sooner than later its volumes growth rate started diminishing with launch of the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza which being a smaller sub-compact SUV are better priced. And of course, with the Duster’s biggest rival, the Hyundai Creta gaining immense popularity and currently being the segment leader, the sales of the Duster have started deteriorating drastically.
Source: Read Full Article