Renault India to hike Duster price by upto Rs 40,000 from Oct

Cites increase in raw material costs, instability in foreign exchange

Renault India today said it will hike the price of its new sports utility vehicle Duster by up to Rs 40,000 from October 1, citing increase in raw material costs and instability in foreign exchange.

The company had launched the Duster in July with introductory price of Rs 7.19 lakh for the entry level petrol variant and Rs 7.99 lakh (Ex showroom Delhi) for diesel.

"The price for Duster petrol variant will see a price increase by Rs 30,000 whereas the Duster diesel will see a prike hike by Rs 40,000," the company said in a statement.

The new prices will be effective from October 1, 2012.

Duster has received 20,000 bookings since launch, it added.

The introductory price will be maintained for all the bookings made until the end of August 2012, delivered or not at the time of the price hike, the company said.

Commenting on the development, Renault India Managing Director Marc Nassif said, "Facing an increase in raw material prices and instability in foreign exchange, factors which are beyond our control, we had to increase the retail price of Renault Duster."

To meet the demand for the Duster the company has increased production to three shifts in Chennai factory as well as the outputs of vendors, he added.

The diesel variant is powered by a 1.5 litre engine while the petrol variant has a 1.6 litre engine.