Renault India begins Duster exports on November 30

27/11/2012 - 15:26 | ,   | Shrawan Raja

Except that Renault won't be exporting the 'Renault Duster' for now.

Dacia Duster test mule rearDacia Duster front

That's right, Renault has confirmed that it will begin exports of the Duster to the UK on the 30th of November (Friday) from the Ennore port in Chennai but the commencement will see a consignment of 'Dacia Duster' vehicles boarding the ship to Britain, where "shockingly affordable" prices have already been announced for the model. Deliveries will begin in January 2013.

Dacia has gathered 1,000 bookings already, and these have come without strong marketing or any test drive activities. The Duster launches in the UK in 2WD and 4WD variants.

Renault India's Marc Nassif back at the domestic launch of the Duster said he's considering "all RHD markets on the map" for the Duster and that "4WD technology is on the shelf" for India but customer feedback and localization will determine when it can be launched.

In an earlier meeting, he said the headquarters have asked the Indian operations "to make a living out of the Indian market."

In a recent interaction with Autocar Professional magazine, Nassif identified Malaysia and Singapore as potential markets. South Africa is already confirmed, and we'll have to see where else the Duster eventually reaches. In countries where Renault already retails its vehicles, the Dacia badge may not be used.

[Images - Dacia Duster UK-spec variant with 4WD caught testing in Chennai earlier this year]

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