Renault India to increase localization of Duster to 80 percent - Report

06/10/2015 - 11:38 Renault Duster, Renault Anjan Ravi

The Duster will also see a facelift this FY.

A report on AutocarPro states that Renault India will increase localization levels on the Duster to 80 percent. The Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Chennai currently manufactures the Duster, but with a localization of around 70 percent, the publication was told by Mr. Sumit Sawhney, CEO and managing director of Renault India.

2016 Renault Duster (facelift) front quarter snapped by IAB reader — Aside from cosmetic changes, the Duster facelift will also debut Renault's AMT technology in India.

The news of increased localization on Renault India's best selling product comes at a time when the company is gearing up to launch a facelift on the Duster. According to reports, the Duster facelift will be introduced this financial year with a host of cosmetic and mechanical changes.

Speaking to Indian Autos Blog, Mr. Sawhney said that the Duster facelift will come with a "lot of innovations". One of these is the introduction of Renault's Easy-R AMT gearbox, which will offer customers the convenience of an automatic transmission, yet without a significant dip in fuel economy.

2016 Renault Duster (facelift) rear three quarter snapped by IAB reader — Localization levels on the Duster currently stand at around 70 percent.

Also read: Renault Duster Explore Edition launched

The Duster facelift will also see changes to its headlights, grille, skid plates, alloy wheels and interior trim. However, it'll retain its 1.5-liter dCi diesel engine which is available in tunes of 85 PS with a 5-speed manual transmission and 110 PS with a 6-speed manual. The AMT is likely to be offered on the 110 PS variant.

[Source - AutocarPro]