Renault India has commenced customer deliveries of the new Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160, marking the start of the company’s Diwali-season celebrations and its entry into the strong-hybrid vehicle segment in India. The first delivery took place at the newly inaugurated Renault new’R store in HITEC City, Hyderabad, which is the company’s largest showroom in the city and its 30th new’R store in the country.
The first vehicle was handed over to T Krishna Gopal, CEO, Eduzi Academy, by Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India. Hyderabad has emerged as one of the leading markets for bookings of the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. The city’s growing technology sector and customer interest in advanced mobility solutions have contributed to the response to Renault’s latest SUV.
Commenting on the occasion, Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, “During our planning phase, we set ourselves an ambitious target: to bring the Duster Hybrid to customers in less than a year, in time for the festive season. We are proud to have delivered on that promise, and we begin handing over the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 to our customers around Diwali. The strong response since launch reflects growing acceptance of hybrid technology in India. Our commitment, however, goes beyond the product. Hyderabad is an important market for us, and with the new’R store we are building a best-in-class buying and ownership journey, so that every customer enjoys the same standard of experience at the showroom and in service as they do behind the wheel.”
Renault’s globally established E-Tech 160 strong-hybrid technology made its India debut on the Duster on October 17, 2026, with prices starting at ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The model combines Renault’s hybrid technology with the Duster’s SUV capability, practicality and versatility. It is the first product under Renault India’s electrification journey and forms part of the company’s futuREady roadmap.
Spread across 7,000 sq. ft., the new’R store at HITEC City can display eight cars and is Renault’s largest showroom in Hyderabad. The facility is the third Renault showroom operated by VVC Group, which also manages two Renault workshops in the city. The inauguration further strengthens the company’s association with the regional business group.
The new’R format is Renault’s global showroom concept, designed around the vehicle display and a contemporary customer experience. It aims to provide an immersive and customer-focused environment across the purchase and ownership journey. The format is a central part of Renault India’s retail transformation programme. Renault India plans to upgrade its showrooms across the top 24 cities to the new’R format by July 2027. These markets account for nearly half of the company’s sales. Of the 73 showrooms operating across these cities, 30 have already been upgraded.
Renault India Pvt Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault SAS France. The company’s vehicles are manufactured at its facility in Oragadam, Chennai, which has an annual production capacity of 480,000 units. Renault India has a nationwide network of close to 638 sales and service touchpoints, including more than 200 Workshop on Wheels locations, supporting customers across the country.
