Renault is exploring partnerships in India to sweat idle capacity at its Chennai facility even as the French automaker pushes ahead with a solo brand revival strategy in one of its most critical growth markets.
In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol, Fabrice Cambolive, chief growth officer and CEO of the Renault brand at Renault Group, said the company remains open to alliances if they create mutual value.
“We have one rule which is to be self-sufficient. In India, we are in the first phase of renewal of our brand… We want to prove that we can do that first by ourselves but that being said, if there is an opportunity, because we have a huge capacity in Chennai, why not (go with a partner),” Cambolive told Moneycontrol during his recent visit to Chennai.
Solo first, partnership later
Renault’s immediate focus is profitability and independent growth. Cambolive, however, did acknowledge that globally the company has embraced partnerships where they create a win-win framework.
“All over the world, where we are in a win-win situation, we are open to having a partner. That’s what we did in Brazil and with Ford in Europe but the first objective is to be profitable and successful just by being alone,” he said.
The statement signals a calibrated approach — establish brand strength first then consider collaboration.
Rs 5,300-crore bet on India
In early 2023, Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan committed Rs 5,300 crore toward expanding their India operations. The investment includes a broader model line-up, strengthening research and development (R&D) and upgrades at the Chennai plant.
India is expected to play a pivotal role in Renault’s global expansion strategy.
Duster comeback anchors revival
Renault is banking on the return of the mid-size SUV Duster, scheduled for a relaunch by mid-March.
The Duster was once a segment disruptor. In FY14, it emerged as a leader in the mid-size SUV category, even outperforming the then-dominant Mahindra & Mahindra’s Scorpio.
Tightening emission norms, intensifying competition and delayed product updates led to the SUV’s eventual withdrawal from India.
The impact on Renault’s fortunes has been stark. From a market share of nearly 3 percent in 2013-14, it slipped to below 1 percent as of January 2026, trailing rivals such as Skoda Auto and Honda, industry data shows.
India among 5 global hubs
Cambolive underscored India’s strategic importance for Renault.
Outside Europe, the company operates in five major hubs — Brazil, India, Turkey, Korea and Morocco.
Among these, India and Brazil are projected to account for nearly 50 percent of Renault’s global growth in the coming years.
“India is strategic for us… It is a market where we can play not just on one market but on exports as well,” Cambolive said.
The Chennai plant is not just about domestic revival but also export ambitions.
Collaborations are back
Renault’s openness to partnerships mirrors a broader trend in India’s auto industry.
After two decades of production collaboration, Tata Motors and Stellantis recently signed an MoU to explore fresh cooperation in manufacturing, engineering and supply-chain operations.
The two companies jointly operate Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd (FIAPL), a 50:50 venture based in Ranjangaon, near Pune, producing engines and vehicles for domestic and global markets.
The road ahead
For Renault, the immediate task is to restore brand relevance and profitability in India. But the message from Paris is equally clear, if the right opportunity emerges, the French carmaker is receptive to forging alliances to unlock scale and efficiency.
With idle capacity in Chennai and a high-stakes Duster comeback ahead, India could soon see a new chapter in Renault’s partnership playbook.
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