Renault To Increase Exports From Chennai Plant; Will Expand To Africa
car&bike Team
1 min read
Aug 09, 2016, 05:57 PM
Key Highlights
- Renault India has started exports to several neighbouring countries
- Several African countries is being eyed by Renault for exports
- Components to Brazil for producing the Kwid will be exported from India
Having gained a substantial presence in the Indian market, French automaker Renault is now looking enhance exports from India to neighbouring countries as well as Africa, as it aims to make the Chennai plant a manufacturing hub. In a recent statement, Sumit Sawhney, CEO and Managing Director, Renault India said, "Last month we started exporting Duster and Kwid to Sri Lanka. This month we will be entering Nepal while we also prepare to enter Bhutan."
The move comes as the neighbouring countries provide impressive growth prospects. Commenting on its export operations further, Sawhney said that a complete strategy will be finalised soon and Renault is looking at other countries in the African continent. Renault recently unveiled the Kwid in Brazil, where the hatchback will go on sale later in the year and will be locally manufactured and sold, while certain components for the same will be shipped from the automaker's Indian facility.
Renault India has been slowly and steadily climbing the exports chart in recent times. The automaker shipped 441 units outside the country during the April-June period this financial year, an impressive number when compared to the 56 units shipped overseas during the same period last year. The numbers are only expected to grow further as the company introduces its models in African markets.
With respect to domestic sales, Renault India has been walking the tight-rope with demand for the Kwid outpacing the supply. The company, however, has been working extensively to reduce the waiting period and recently commenced the third shift at its Chennai-based facility. The automaker now produces around 9000-9500 units of the Kwid now every month. The Kwid has been the turnaround product for the French automaker in India and the volumes have certainly catapulted for the company when compared to earlier years. For the first half of 2016 (January-July), Renault sold 73,863 units in the country, as against the 25,032 moved out during the same period in 2015. That's a massive growth of 195 per cent.
With the company aggressive about its domestic operations, demand is only expected to rise from here on as the automaker is gearing up to introduce the Kwid 1.0-litre variant that will go on sale later this month, while an AMT variant is also in the pipeline and will make it to the showrooms soon after. Both versions will be taking on established products from Maruti Suzuki, which make the small car segment extremely fun now.
The move comes as the neighbouring countries provide impressive growth prospects. Commenting on its export operations further, Sawhney said that a complete strategy will be finalised soon and Renault is looking at other countries in the African continent. Renault recently unveiled the Kwid in Brazil, where the hatchback will go on sale later in the year and will be locally manufactured and sold, while certain components for the same will be shipped from the automaker's Indian facility.
Renault Kwid 1-Litre Brazil
With respect to domestic sales, Renault India has been walking the tight-rope with demand for the Kwid outpacing the supply. The company, however, has been working extensively to reduce the waiting period and recently commenced the third shift at its Chennai-based facility. The automaker now produces around 9000-9500 units of the Kwid now every month. The Kwid has been the turnaround product for the French automaker in India and the volumes have certainly catapulted for the company when compared to earlier years. For the first half of 2016 (January-July), Renault sold 73,863 units in the country, as against the 25,032 moved out during the same period in 2015. That's a massive growth of 195 per cent.
With the company aggressive about its domestic operations, demand is only expected to rise from here on as the automaker is gearing up to introduce the Kwid 1.0-litre variant that will go on sale later this month, while an AMT variant is also in the pipeline and will make it to the showrooms soon after. Both versions will be taking on established products from Maruti Suzuki, which make the small car segment extremely fun now.
Related News
Popular Renault Models
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Trending News
1 min readYamaha YZF-R2 Name Trademarked In India
1 min readTriumph Tracker 400: In Pictures
Latest News
car&bike Team | Dec 19, 2025Yamaha YZF-R2 Name Trademarked In IndiaThe Yamaha R15, one of Yamaha India’s most popular motorcycle models, is likely to continue, even when the R2 finally makes it debut.1 min read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025KTM 160 Duke With TFT Dash launched At Rs 1.79 LakhThe 5-inch colour TFT dash is borrowed from the 390 Duke and is shared across the brand’s sub-400cc lineup.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025Lamborghini Urus Seized By Cops Following Viral Clip Of Speeding On Bandra-Worli Sea LinkThe car was seized after a video of it allegedly overspeeding on the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, where the speed limit is capped at 80 kmph, went viral.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 20252025 Ducati XDiavel V4 India Launch Details RevealedThe new Ducati XDiavel V4 will be launched towards the end of December 2025 and will sit alongside the standard Ducati Diavel V4.3 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Maruti WagonR Swivel Front Seat Kit Launched: Check Price, AvailabilityBangalore-based startup TrueAssist Technology Private Limited has developed a mechanism that allows the front passenger seat to swivel outwards, in a bid to improve accessibility for the aged and persons with disabilities.2 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Nissan Gravite MPV (Renault Triber Derivative) To Be Launched Early In 2026Nearly seven years on from the launch of the MPV it shares its underpinnings with arrives Nissan's entry-level 7-seat model; to debut in January.2 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 19, 2025Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Review: Worth The Wait?After a long wait, the first-ever electric Maruti Suzuki is here. It’s the e-Vitara, and it comes with a few promises. But arriving this late, is it worth the wait? Or is it a case of too little, too late?9 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 18, 2025Mercedes-Benz G450d: The Subtle Power of EvolutionThe Mercedes-Benz G 450d evolves subtly with more power, improved efficiency, and modern tech, while staying true to the timeless G-Class design. And character.4 mins read
Janak Sorap | Dec 11, 2025Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review: Smarter and SharperHarley-Davidson has taken the X440 and given it a more focused and engaging twist. The result is the X440 T—essentially the same platform but updated in areas that give the motorcycle more appeal and riders more thrill.5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Dec 10, 20252025 Mini Cooper Convertible Review: More Colour On Indian RoadsThe updated Mini Cooper Convertible is set to be launched in the Indian market in the next few days. We drive it around Jaisalmer for a quick review.5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 8, 2025Tata Sierra Review: India’s New Favourite?Marking its return after a few decades, the reborn Sierra has made everyone sit up and take notice. But is it worth the hype?10 mins read