Renault's market share in India inches up on Duster sales

Sales were down 0.6% in a market that shrank 5%

French auto major Renault reported a marginal increase in its market share in India, mainly due to sales of its SUV Duster.

The company said sales were stable (down 0.6%) in a market that shrank 5%. The Renault group posted 1.6% market share (up 0.1 points), thanks to Duster (refer table on Duster sales vs total units)

Sumit Sawhney, executive director, Marketing & Sales, Renault India Pvt. Ltd, recently commented that the Duster has been company's flagship product for just over a year, playing a crucial part.

Growth in Duster sales shows the continued desirability of the SUV among Indian customers, despite the shrinking market, he said in a statement earlier.

Renault India is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault SAS, France and currently offers five models in the Indian market – the premium sedan Fluence, the luxury SUV Koleos, the premium compact car Pulse, the SUV Duster and the premium sedan, Scala.

Renault India also exports the Duster to right-hand drive markets. India is set to become a production hub for right-hand drive cars for the company.

Renault and Alliance partner Nissan have invested around Rs 4,500 crore to set up a manufacturing facility at Oragadam, near Chennai.

Meanwhile, the company said that in the global automotive market that increased 4.6%, Renault group’s registrations totaled 614,888 units, up by 3.1% year-on-year. All the regions, except Asia-Pacific, reported sales growth and improved market share.

In the Asia-Pacific Region, group registrations decreased 30.4% in a market that increased by 6.1%. Excluding Iran, the group reported a 6.6% increase in the region.

Sales of Duster vs total sales

MONTH	DUSTER SALES	TOTAL SALES
JAUNARY	3554	4914
FEBRUARY	5590	6723
MARCH	6313	8232
APRIL	5362	6314
MAY	5146	6013
JUNE	4524	6007
JULY	3089	3763
AUGUST	2967	3773
SEPTEMBER	3973	4822

Source: Renault India