New Delhi, October 2026 : French automaker Renault expects hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) technologies to play a significantly larger role in its Indian business, with the two powertrain options potentially accounting for nearly 50 per cent of its sales mix over the next two to three years, Renault India CEO Stephane Deblaise has said.
The company is stepping up its focus on multiple powertrain technologies as India’s passenger vehicle market increasingly accommodates petrol, hybrid, CNG and electric vehicles. Renault believes that a combination of these technologies will help it cater to different customer requirements as the automotive industry transitions towards lower-emission mobility.
Speaking to PTI, Deblaise said Renault could see hybrids and CNG together contributing around half of its powertrain mix in the coming years, although the company has not set a formal target.
“It is possible, 50 per cent is possible from hybrid and CNG, but we do not have a target,” he said.
Renault’s strategy received a boost on Saturday with the launch of its first strong hybrid offering in India, the Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160. The automaker is also planning to introduce factory-fitted CNG models as part of its broader product strategy.
Renault Positions Hybrid Technology as an Alternative to Diesel
Renault is looking at hybrid technology as a practical alternative for customers considering diesel-powered vehicles, particularly as stricter emission regulations and changing market preferences reshape the segment.
The company is promoting its hybrid offering with the message, “Forget diesel, Go Hybrid”, highlighting fuel efficiency, technology and the overall driving experience.
Deblaise said Renault intends to offer hybrid vehicles at prices comparable to diesel models while delivering improved fuel economy and a better customer experience.
“The price (of vehicles) will be as good as diesel, and the fuel economy will be better. The customer experience will be better. It will be more or less the same price as diesel, with better technology, better fuel economy,” he said.
According to the Renault India chief, hybrid sales have not yet reached their full potential because the number of models available in the market remains limited. He also believes that some existing offerings have not delivered sufficiently compelling performance to attract a wider customer base.
Deblaise expects demand to increase as automakers introduce more hybrid models and customers become familiar with the technology.
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with electric motors, allowing the powertrain to optimise fuel consumption under different driving conditions. Renault sees the technology as an important option while India’s electric vehicle ecosystem continues to develop.
Hybrids for Larger Vehicles, CNG for Compact Models
Renault expects different powertrain technologies to serve distinct segments of the Indian market.
Deblaise indicated that hybrids could account for a larger proportion of the company’s portfolio in vehicles measuring more than four metres in length. CNG, meanwhile, could offer greater potential in the sub-four-metre segment, where affordability and running costs remain important considerations for buyers.
The company is considering a CNG version of the Triber compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), although the broader plan is to expand its factory-fitted CNG portfolio over time.
This approach reflects Renault’s effort to offer customers alternatives based on their budgets, driving requirements and access to fuel infrastructure, rather than relying exclusively on a single technology.
Duster Strong Hybrid Launched at ₹16.99 Lakh
Renault India on Saturday introduced the new Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 in three variants: Evolution, Techno and Emotion. Prices start at ₹16.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
The strong hybrid model combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. The powertrain delivers a combined output of 160 PS.
Renault claims an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 29 kilometres per litre for the hybrid Duster, positioning it as a fuel-efficient option in the SUV segment.
The launch marks an important step in the company’s India strategy, as it seeks to bring technologies developed for its global portfolio to Indian customers while adapting vehicles and features to local requirements.
Deblaise said Renault had sold more than one million E-Tech strong hybrid vehicles worldwide since 2020, demonstrating the technology’s established presence in international markets.
“With more than one million E-Tech strong hybrid vehicles sold worldwide since 2020, the E-Tech strong hybrid is a proven Renault powertrain technology. Now, we are bringing it to India as part of our futuREady India roadmap,” he said.
He added that Renault intended to combine global technologies with products, powertrains and features developed specifically for Indian consumers through its engineering and design centres in Chennai. The Chennai facilities represent Renault’s largest engineering and design operations outside Europe, he said.
Renault Targets 3-5% Market Share by 2030
Renault is also seeking to rebuild its presence in India over the coming years. Asked about its market-share ambitions, Deblaise said the company could reach a share of between 3 and 5 per cent by 2030.
However, he emphasised that the company was not pursuing sales volumes as an end in themselves.
“We should be between 3-5 per cent in 2030. But we always say that it is not a target; it is a consequence of our job,” he said.
He added that Renault’s priority was to deliver quality vehicles, satisfy customers and encourage repeat purchases rather than focus solely on increasing volumes.
The company’s plans are part of Renault Group’s broader futuREady strategy, which envisages a portfolio of seven models in India by the end of the decade. The lineup is expected to span compact cars and larger SUVs, alongside strong hybrid and fully electric vehicles.
Renault also aims to generate annual exports worth two billion euros—approximately ₹25,000 crore—from India by 2030. The target includes vehicles, components and related services.
With its renewed product pipeline, hybrid technology and planned CNG offerings, Renault is positioning India as a major growth market. Its performance over the coming years will depend on how effectively it combines competitive pricing, fuel efficiency, product expansion and customer satisfaction in an increasingly diverse automotive market.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
