Renault to increase exports from India, eyes African market

French auto major Renault is looking to enhance exports from India to neighbouring countries and Africa as it seeks to make the country a manufacturing hub.

"Last month we started exporting Duster and Kwid to Sri Lanka. This month we will be entering Nepal while we also prepare to enter Bhutan," Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault India Operations, told PTI.

Not only the neighbouring countries, Renault will be looking to tap opportunities in Africa as well.

"We are working on strategy for exports to South Africa, hopefully, it will be finalised soon. Besides, we are looking at other countries in Africa," Sawhney said.

Even to Brazil, where the company's small car Kwid will be manufactured and sold, Renault will be looking to export components.

"Certain sets of components will be supplied from here in India," he said.

As per SIAM data, Renault India has exported 441 units so far in the April-June period this fiscal, as against just 56 units exported in the same period last fiscal.

Keeping in view the increased demand for Kwid in the domestic market and plans for exports, Renault India has also increased production of the small car.

"We have started the third shift at our Chennai plant. We are producing about 9,000-9,500 units of the Kwid now," Sawhney said.

In the domestic market, Renault India's cumulative sales in the January-July period stood at 73,863 units as against 25,032 in the corresponding period last year, a growth of 195 percent.