Renault Relays Emphasis on Automobile Manufacturing in India
Renault has appointed Stephane Deblaise as the new CEO for its operations in India, effective September 1, 2023 [1][2][4][5]. Deblaise brings significant international experience within Renault, including leadership roles in South Korea and other strategic manufacturing hubs.
Deblaise's appointment aims to define and implement Renault Group’s strategy in India, overseeing all local Renault entities. Renault is accelerating its expansion in India, which is the world's third-largest automotive market, by making India a key international hub. After acquiring Nissan’s 51% stake in the Chennai plant, Renault now fully owns the facility, positioning it as a major industrial base and export hub.
The Chennai plant, dedicated to the production of Renault models, has produced over 2.8 million vehicles since its launch in 2010. The plant is currently dedicated to the production of models underpinned by Renault's CMF-A and CMF-A+ platforms. The Chennai plant is preparing to support the production of Renault's future models using its new flexible, multi-energy modular platform.
The first of four planned Indian-built models by Renault is the new facelifted Renault Triber, a 7-seat people carrier. Renault is also establishing a design center in Chennai, which will be its largest design center outside of France.
Deblaise’s role includes supporting this transformation, strengthening sales in India, and driving an ambitious product offensive that includes launching multiple new models and expanding exports. The group also aims to expand sales in India and increase exports to other markets, including Africa and Asia.
Stephane Deblaise's career at Renault includes engineering roles at several foreign strategic manufacturing hubs, including in Latin America and China. His expertise spans engineering, manufacturing, project and program management, and corporate planning — all assets aligned with Renault’s strategic goals in India to grow competitively balanced, electrified vehicles and achieve long-term carbon neutrality targets.
Over 1.2 million vehicles produced at the Chennai plant have been exported to more than 100 countries. The plant has also produced 4.6 million engines and gearboxes since its inception. With full ownership of the Chennai plant, Renault Group now has the means to accelerate in India, a key market for Renault Group as stated by the new group CEO, François Provost.
- Stephane Deblaise, as the new CEO for Renault's operations in India, is expected to drive the production of multiple new models, aiming to strengthen sales in India and increase exports.
- The Chennai plant, fully owned by Renault, serves as a major industrial base and export hub, producing over 2.8 million vehicles since its launch in 2010.
- The automotive industry plays a significant role in Stephane Deblaise's career, with his engineering roles spanning strategic manufacturing hubs in Latin America, China, and other international locations.
- Renault's strategic goals in India focus on the growth of competitively balanced, electrified vehicles, aiming to achieve long-term carbon neutrality targets, bolstered by finance and resources from the industry, lifestyle, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.
