HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 23: Renault India has announced the launch of its new brand transformation strategy, ‘renault. rethink’, marking a significant shift in the French carmaker’s approach to the Indian market. According to an official statement, the initiative has been unveiled alongside the inauguration of Renault’s new design centre in Chennai, now its largest such facility outside France.
This move represents a key milestone in Renault’s International Gameplan 2027, as the company deepens its commitment to the Indian market, which it identifies as the world’s third-largest automobile sector. The new Chennai-based facility aims to position India not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a design and innovation powerhouse for the company. The centre is expected to play a critical role in developing models and concepts tailored specifically to Indian consumers while also contributing to global Renault projects.
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Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of Renault Group, stated that the decision to establish a dedicated design studio in India is essential to understanding local nuances and delivering mobility solutions rooted in Indian preferences. He emphasized that the centre would leverage Indian talent and insights, enabling faster integration of design into Renault’s engineering and innovation processes.
The design centre’s architecture reflects a concept Renault describes as “Tactile Confluence,” combining modern European elements with traditional Indian cultural influences. Spread over 1,500 square meters, the state-of-the-art facility features immersive virtual reality environments, high-definition visualization tools, flexible collaboration spaces, and a high-performance LED wall. These features are designed to foster creativity, accelerate design workflows, and enhance team collaboration in both local and global contexts.
To symbolize the transformation strategy, Renault also unveiled a conceptual sculpture titled ‘renault. rethink’, created by Indian designers. The sculpture is characterized by its fragmented form and inner light, intended to represent emergence, innovation, and the dynamic spirit of change. Laurens van den Acker described it as more than just an artwork, calling it a bold expression of Renault’s vision for India and its future.
Renault’s new strategy is built on a foundation of deep localization and innovation. The company recently announced the complete acquisition of its joint manufacturing facility and has committed to increasing its localization level to up to 90 percent. The launch of the new Chennai design centre follows the debut of the brand’s refreshed dealership experience, the ‘R Store’, also introduced in the city.
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director of Renault India Operations, said that the renault. rethink initiative marks the beginning of a new era for Renault in India. He highlighted the company’s long-standing presence in the country and its achievements, including the establishment of one of its largest R&D centres globally, also located in Chennai, employing nearly 10,000 engineers. These engineers not only support domestic product development but also contribute to international projects.
This renewed focus on India comes as Renault Group posts strong global performance figures. In 2024, the company reported its highest-ever operating profit of €4.3 billion and revenues of €56.2 billion, reflecting a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year.
With the renault. rethink strategy now in motion, Renault aims to reposition itself as a brand that not only manufactures in India but also designs for India. The initiative invites customers and stakeholders to rediscover the brand through a lens of innovation, technological advancement, and cultural integration, as Renault redefines its future in one of the world’s most dynamic automotive markets.
