Renault to raise Duster prices

Renault India today said it will raise price of its new sports utility vehicle Duster by up to Rs 40,000 from October 1, due to increase in raw material costs and adverse impact of foreign exchange fluctuations.

The company had launched the Duster in July with an 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 an increase of Rs 30,000, whereas the Duster diesel will see a raise of Rs 40,000," the company said.

The new prices will be effective from October 1. Duster has received 20,000 bookings since launch, it added.

The introductory price will be maintained for all the bookings made till August-end, delivered or not at the time of the price increase, the company said.

Marc Nassif, managing director, Renault India, said: "Facing an increase in raw material prices and instability in foreign exchange, factors beyond our control, we had to increase the retail price of Renault Duster."

To meet the demand for the Duster, the company has increased the number of shifts to three at its Chennai factor, he added.

Renault is the latest company which has announced price hikes due to pressure of rising input costs. Maruti Suzuki, Honda Cars India and General Motors have all announced increase in price of vehicles over the last few days.