Renault Refocuses Manufacturing Efforts Towards Indian Automobiles
Renault Accelerates Growth in India with New CEO and Expanded Chennai Plant
Renault Group has announced significant changes in its Indian operations, with the appointment of a new CEO and the full ownership of its plant in Chennai. Stéphane Deblaise, who previously held leadership roles in Latin America, China, France, and South Korea, will assume the role of CEO starting September 1, 2023.
The Chennai plant, a strategic manufacturing hub for Renault's global operations, has been a key production facility for the company since its launch in 2010. With Renault's recent acquisition of Nissan's remaining 51% stake, the company now has full control over the plant, enabling unified control over production and consolidation in Renault's financial statements.
Stéphane Deblaise's plans for expanding the company's sales in India and exports to other markets involve leveraging India as a key international hub for Renault's global strategy. He aims to position India as a major strategic center for the company’s global expansion.
One of his first initiatives is an ambitious product offensive, which includes the launch of the New Renault Triber and plans for four new vehicle models to strengthen Renault’s presence in the dynamic Indian market. This market, the world's third-largest automotive market, is expected to continue steady growth.
In addition, Deblaise plans to expand exports from the Chennai plant, which has already produced over 2.8 million vehicles, including 1.2 million exported to more than 100 countries. The plant will also be the host of Renault's new flexible, multi-energy modular platform, supporting the production of the brand's future models.
The Chennai plant has also manufactured 4.6 million engines and gearboxes, and Renault is establishing a design center in Chennai, which will be its largest design center outside of France. These moves are part of Renault's strategy to strengthen its sales in India and expand exports to other markets, including Africa and Asia.
Renault's Chennai plant currently produces models underpinned by the CMF-A and CMF-A+ platforms. The first of four planned Indian-built models by Renault is the new facelifted Renault Triber, a 7-seat people carrier.
With Stéphane Deblaise at the helm, Renault is accelerating its business growth in India, aiming to drive an increase in sales in India and position India as a major design and R&D center, supporting the international ambitions of Renault Group.
- The Chennai plant, now fully owned by Renault, will play a crucial role in vehicle production as part of the company's global manufacturing strategy, contributing to increased sales in India and expanding exports to other markets.
- Stéphane Deblaise, the new CEO of Renault in India, plans to position the country as a strategic center for the company's global expansion, leveraging the Chennai plant's capabilities for automotive business growth.
- To strategically position India and the Chennai plant as key players in the global automotive industry, Renault aims to utilize the plant for manufacturing various models, including the new Renault Triber, and establish a design center in Chennai to support future product developments.
