Renault bets big on hybrids, CNG to win back India

Hybrid and CNG cars could account for nearly half of French carmaker Renault’s sales mix in India over the next two to three years, chief executive Stephane Deblaise said in a PTI report.

Renault is betting on multiple powertrain technologies as it looks to revive its presence in India, with the company launching its first strong hybrid offering in the Duster SUV on Saturday and planning to introduce factory-fitted CNG models.

“It is possible, 50% is possible from hybrid and CNG, but we do not have a target,” Deblaise told PTI when asked about the company’s expected powertrain mix.

Renault’s push into hybrid and CNG technology comes as automakers diversify their powertrain offerings to meet changing consumer demand and tighter emissions requirements, with hybrids increasingly being positioned as an alternative to diesel in some segments.

The company is positioning hybrid technology as a replacement for diesel-powered vehicles.

“It is a big bet. We are advertising it as Forget diesel, Go Hybrid,” Deblaise said.

He added that hybrid vehicles could offer fuel economy and driving experience improvements at prices comparable to diesel models.

According to Deblaise, limited model availability and a lack of compelling performance have so far constrained hybrid adoption in India.

Renault expects hybrids to gain traction in vehicles longer than four metres, while CNG could find greater acceptance in the sub-four-metre segment.

The company is considering a CNG version of its Triber compact MPV.

The strong hybrid Duster, launched on Saturday, has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 29 km per litre. It features a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery, with a combined output of 160 PS.

Deblaise also said Renault expected its Indian market share to reach 3-5% by 2030, though he described this as a potential outcome rather than a formal target.

Under its futuREady strategy, Renault Group plans to offer seven models in India by the end of the decade, spanning compact cars and larger SUVs, including strong hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

The group also aims to generate €2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030 through vehicles, components and related services, PTI reported.