In the Indian market, both Renault and Nissan product portfolios consists of the same models but with different badges. Badge engineering has been done between the two firms in order to achieve cost advantages. Currently, the cross-badging is being done between the Renault Pulse/Nissan Micra and Renault Scala/Nissan Sunny. The last badge engineering activity is expected with the Renault Duster sibling, likely to be introduced soon under the Nissan badging. The Duster based SUV for Nissan will be restyled significantly in order to differentiate it from the Renault Duster.
Renault and Nissan are on a verge to discontinue the strategy of sharing models in India. The cross-badging activity didn’t turn out well for the two giants to deliver big volumes for the company. Both the automakers are now focusing on individual product development plans for the Indian market in the coming years. The companies believe that India is a competitive market and they came in late with their products.
Their aim was to achieve big volumes together from the beginning by sharing products but now the automakers look promising to provide the Indian market with individually developed products. Nissan is now considering introducing four new models in the current financial year for the Indian car market. The new offerings will include the restyled Duster under the Nissan badge, the facelifted Micra hatchback and updates of the existing models. All the new offerings are expected to hit showrooms in the second half of 2013. Meanwhile checkout our rendering of the Duster based Nissan compact SUV.
