Category: Renault

The wait is almost over! Next-gen Renault Duster in right-hand drive specification gets its debut, set to hit Indian roads by 2025.

Nov 16, 2024 | Automobile, Renault, Toyota

Renault has unveiled the new generation of the Duster in South Africa, which is expected to be offered with petrol power only. The car features a right-hand drive layout and will be produced in India for global markets. The design and features of the RHD car mirror those of the LHD version and the Dacia version. The Duster is set to be launched in South Africa in March 2025, which means it will likely be launched in India around the same time. The car is crucial to Renault’s brand legacy and will be the first of its new products to come to India over the next two years. The Duster will compete with other SUVs in the market, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder.

Source: https://www.carwale.com/news/right-hand-drive-next-gen-renault-duster-revealed-india-launch-in-2025/

Japan’s Favourite Brand Staying Put in India!

Nov 13, 2024 | Automobile, Nissan, Renault

Nissan, a Japanese car manufacturer, has struggled to make an impact in the Indian market despite having only one mass-market SUV, the Magnite. However, despite this, the brand plans to expand its presence in the country. Nissan currently has two SUVs in its portfolio, the Magnite and the X-Trail, but plans to launch new models in the affordable segment, including the Renault Triber and possibly the Renault Duster. The brand also intends to introduce global products such as the Patrol SUV and the Ariya, India’s first EV SUV. The Magnite has been performing well for the brand, offering a great value-for-money proposition and being priced competitively between Rs 7.04 lakh and Rs 13.80 lakh. The brand recently launched the Magnite facelift, addressing its previous flaws and now offers a feature-loaded SUV with a premium cabin experience and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. With exciting new models planned, Nissan aims to increase its presence in the Indian market.

Source: https://motoroctane.com/news/279796-your-favourite-japanese-brand-not-leaving-india

Explore 7 impressive alternatives to Maruti Ertiga in 2024

Nov 13, 2024 | Automobile, Honda, Mahindra, Renault, Toyota

The Maruti Ertiga is a popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India, but if you’re looking for alternatives, here are seven options to consider in 2024. The Toyota Innova Crysta is a top contender, offering a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a strong diesel engine. Another option is the Honda Mobilio, which offers a more modern design and features like a touchscreen infotainment system.
The Renault Triber is a more affordable option, with a unique design and a budget-friendly price tag. The Hyundai Alcazar is another option to consider, offering a premium feel, a comfortable ride, and a range of engine options. The Mahindra Marazzo is a full-size MPV that offers a lot of space and a strong diesel engine.
The Tata Hexa is another option to consider, offering a rugged design, a comfortable ride, and a range of engine options. Finally, the Kia Carnival is a premium MPV that offers a lot of space, a comfortable ride, and a range of features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof.
These alternatives offer a mix of comfort, space, and features that can appeal to different buyers, depending on their preferences and budgets.

Source: https://thepatriot.in/web-stories/maruti-ertiga-7-best-alternatives-to-buy-in-2024

Mitsubishi sells controlling interest back to Nissan: implications for their automotive partnership revealed.

Nov 13, 2024 | Automobile, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Renault

Mitsubishi has purchased a significant stake in Nissan, regaining control of its largest shareholder. This move marks a major shift in their 20-year alliance, with Mitsubishi now holding a 34% stake in Nissan. The deal, valued at around $2.7 billion, was completed after Nissan’s previous shareholders, including the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, sold their stakes back to Mitsubishi.
This change in ownership structure may have significant implications for the alliance, which has been strained in recent years. The alliance has faced challenges, including disagreements over strategy, leadership, and profitability. With Mitsubishi now holding a larger stake in Nissan, some analysts believe the two companies may be able to work more closely together to drive growth and profitability.
However, others caution that the change in ownership structure may also lead to increased tensions and competition between the two companies. The move could also impact the future of the alliance, which has been a cornerstone of the automotive industry for over two decades.

Source: https://www.autoblog.com/news/mitsubishi-buys-back-major-stake-from-nissan-what-it-means-for-their-alliance-

Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra have yet to meet their emissions targets, with a long-awaited government report still pending.

Oct 22, 2024 | Automobile, Honda, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Renault, Skoda, Suzuki, Tata Motors

India’s emissions compliance report has been delayed, revealing that eight automakers, including Hyundai, Kia, and Mahindra, have failed to meet the country’s Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-II) norms in FY23. The report shows that Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors, however, met the required standards. The delay is due to the government’s indecision on how to proceed, given the stiff penalties outlined for non-compliance. Automakers are seeking flexibility in the form of a five-year block for carbon credits, arguing that annual penalties are impractical. The government’s Energy Conservation Act amendment introduced in December 2022 has also caused uncertainty, with automakers asking for clarification on carbon trading and penalties. The industry is bracing for stricter norms, with smaller automakers like Renault, Skoda, and Honda facing a challenge in meeting emission standards. As the transition to green mobility continues, automakers are awaiting direction on the best route forward, with a combination of electric vehicles, hybrids, and flex-fuel technology potentially the way forward.

Source: https://www.livemint.com/auto-news/india-delays-key-carbon-emissions-report-as-eight-automakers-miss-norms-impasse-over-steep-penalties-evs-hyundai-kia-11729504402075.html

Chinese Automakers Steal the Show at the 2023 Paris Auto ExpoThis rewritten title maintains the original meaning while using different wording and phrasing to provide a fresh perspective.

Oct 15, 2024 | Automobile, BMW India, Renault, Volkswagen

At the recent Paris Motor Show, Chinese automakers such as BYD, Leapmotor, and Xpeng made their presence felt by unveiling cutting-edge electric models, showcasing their advanced technology, including AI, to compete with European rivals. Despite the EU’s decision to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese vehicles, the Chinese automakers remain committed to breaking into the European market. China has its sights set on becoming a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) market, with a goal of surpassing European rivals. The show featured new models from top European carmakers like Renault, Stellantis, BMW, and Volkswagen, but it was the Chinese automakers that drew large crowds, with BYD, in particular, displaying seven models that it claims outperform those of its European rivals. The company’s bold ambition is evident, with a video display at its stand featuring landmarks from around the world, symbolizing its aspiration to make Chinese cars appealing to Western buyers.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/business/china-electric-vehicles-paris-auto-show.html

By 2028, Fiat Brazil will roll out widespread MHEV options across its entire vehicle lineup.

Oct 13, 2024 | Automobile, Fiat and Jeep India, Renault

Fiat is poised to make a significant shift towards electric mobility in Brazil, with plans to introduce Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) options across its entire lineup by 2028. The transition will begin with the introduction of hybrid “flex” versions of all models, featuring mild hybrid propulsion systems. This will include the integration of a 12-volt electrical system with a 1.0-liter Turbo engine, providing a boost in performance and reducing fuel consumption. The MHEV system will be initially available on popular models such as the Pulse and Fastback, with the Grande Panda, a compact SUV, set to lead the charge as the face of Fiat’s electrification strategy. The move is part of the brand’s broader commitment to a greener future, with targets to electrify its entire range in Brazil by 2028. This shift towards MHEV technology aligns with the broader automotive industry trend, with other brands like Renault also adopting similar strategies in the region.

Source: https://moparinsiders.com/fiat-brazil-to-add-mhev-options-to-entire-lineup-by-2028/

Without Renault’s ECU engine expertise, Alpine would have crumbled under the pressure of F1 racingI changed collapsed to crumbled as it’s a more idiomatic way to describe the hypothetical downfall of a team or organization, and ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is used to refer to the engine expertise provided by Renault. Let me know if you’d like me to suggest further rewrites!

Oct 11, 2024 | Automobile, Renault

Alpine CEO Luca De Meo has revealed that the team would have “collapsed” in two years without the decision to abandon the Renault Formula 1 engine program beyond 2025. De Meo took over the role in 2020 and has been struggling to turn the team around, with Alpine currently in ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship. The team is losing €40 million per day and sponsorship revenue due to its poor performance. De Meo has made the hard decision to cancel Renault’s future F1 engine development, calling it “heartbreaking.” He plans to restructure the team and refocus on 2026 and beyond, when new regulations will be introduced. De Meo has no plans to sell the team, citing the benefits of being in F1 for the brand’s credibility and reputation among motor racing fans. He has also dismissed rumors that Flavio Briatore was brought in to sell the team, stating that he brought him in to help revitalize the project.

Source: https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/10/10/alpine-would-have-collapsed-without-renault-engine-f1-chop/

The Highly Anticipated Rival to Mahindra’s XUV700 Has Just Been Fully Unveiled

Oct 10, 2024 | Automobile, Mahindra, Renault

Renault has unveiled its new 7-seater SUV, the Dacia Bigster or Renault Duster 7-seater, at the Paris Motor Show 2024. The SUV is based on the new-gen Duster and features similar design and interior as the 5-seater version, with tweaked bumpers and a redesigned C-pillar. The interior features a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a smartphone holder, and is expected to come with features like a 10-inch touchscreen system, wireless charging, and a 6-speaker sound system. The 7-seater Duster is expected to be offered with a 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine, which produces 168 horsepower. The launch date in India is expected to be around the end of 2025, with prices likely to similar to the Hyundai Alcazar, ranging from Rs 17 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). The 5-seater Duster is expected to be launched in 2025, followed by the 7-seater variant. While the details are still sparse, this update will be closely watched as it will be a rival to the Mahindra XUV700 in the 7-seater SUV segment.

Source: https://motoroctane.com/news/278504-upcoming-mahindra-xuv700-rival-completely-revealed

Embark on a 24-hour, 7-country road trip with the Renault Megane EV, exploring the continent’s scenic routes and charging infrastructure.

Oct 10, 2024 | Automobile, Renault

The article describes a road trip from Ghent, Belgium to Dudelingen, Luxembourg, with the goal of visiting multiple countries and trying out various charging points along the way. The journey begins with a delay at a charging point in Ghent due to a Ford Mustang Mach-E having already occupied the 120 kW charger. However, the driver is able to use a 50 kW charger to top up the battery. The trip then continues to Maastricht, the Netherlands, where a 300 kW charger is found and used to charge the vehicle. The driver then decides to head to Luxembourg, taking a route that avoids smaller roads and prioritizes the use of motorways. The trip is not without its challenges, including rush-hour traffic and a slow final section to the charging point in Luxembourg. Despite these challenges, the driver is able to reach the destination and achieve their goal of visiting multiple countries and charging along the way.

Source: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/megane-e-tech/364609/renault-megane-ev-charging-across-europe-7-countries-24-hours-no-plan

Renault and Stellantis dismiss speculation on potential merger

Oct 9, 2024 | Automobile, Renault, Volkswagen

Reports of a potential merger between Renault and Stellantis have been circulating, but both companies have denied them as “baseless speculation”. Despite this, Italian reporters insist that negotiations did take place and that the French government, which holds a stake in both companies, is in favor of the deal. The rumors suggest that the goal of the merger is to create a European automotive giant that can compete with the growth of China’s electric vehicle market. The proposed deal would likely result in the creation of a transnational corporation that would surpass Volkswagen Group to become Europe’s largest automobile business, much like the creation of Airbus in the aerospace industry.

Source: https://www.formacar.com/en/news/view/63228.html

Audi’s next move is prompted by Renault’s F1 engine bailout

Oct 8, 2024 | Audi, Automobile, Honda, Renault

Audi is set to enter Formula 1 in 2026, but will only formally commit to branding its entry once the new regulations come into force. The FIA has been trying to attract new power unit manufacturers, and Audi is the only genuine new contender. Porsche failed to close a deal to join F1, and Honda has decided to stay in the sport. The FIA’s current power unit regulations are not attractive to many organizations, and the sport is stuck with heavy V6 turbo power units until the next decade.
Audi has acquired Sauber and will take full control of the team in 2025. The team’s CEO, Gernot Dollner, has reaffirmed Audi’s commitment to F1 and emphasized that Renault’s decision to abandon its power unit production has no bearing on Audi’s plans. Sauber’s driver lineup for next season has not been confirmed, with Nico Hulkenberg already signed and Valtteri Bottas and Mick Schumacher being considered as potential partners. Red Bull’s Dr. Helmut Marko has expressed his opposition to Bottas being signed over Schumacher.

Source: https://thejudge13.com/2024/10/08/audi-concerns-following-renault-f1-engine-bailout/