en.Wedoany.com Reported - Dr. Vikraman V, Engineering Director of Renault Group India, recently gave an interview elaborating on Renault's engineering philosophy and strategy in the Indian market. He emphasized that "Made in India" is about localization, while "Made for India" is about engineering.
Regarding the adjustments to the new Duster model, Dr. Vikraman V pointed out that the vehicle is built on Renault Group's modular platform, but Renault did not simply localize a European product. Instead, it used this as a starting point to redesign over 90% of the components to suit Indian conditions. Vehicle dynamics, suspension, steering, and electronic stability systems have all been recalibrated for Indian roads. Safety was set as a goal from the outset, with every structural decision and engineering change aimed at meeting the highest safety standards.
Dr. Vikraman V believes that localization today goes far beyond manufacturing components in India. After investing in supplier molds, assembly lines, and industrialization, dedicating a bit more engineering resources to specifically optimize the product yields better performance, higher durability, and products that better meet the needs of Indian customers. He emphasized that "Made in India" means localization, while "Made for India" means engineering.
Regarding the long-term powertrain roadmap, Dr. Vikraman V stated that the Indian market is becoming increasingly fragmented, and every original equipment manufacturer (OEM) needs a multi-powertrain strategy. Renault is transitioning from a single-fuel company to offering gasoline, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, and eventually electric vehicles, and will also venture into flex fuels up to E85 and E100. He expects that by 2030, diesel will gradually decline, while CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicles will continue to grow, and OEMs cannot remain single-fuel companies.
On hybrids, Renault will launch strong hybrid technology this Diwali to target the premium market. Initial feedback has been encouraging, and this year's hybrid quota is fully booked. Dr. Vikraman V referred to hybrids as "the new diesel," believing they offer the efficiency advantages of diesel while being more aligned with future emission requirements.
Regarding electric vehicle (EV) opportunities in India, Dr. Vikraman V said that Renault has global electric mobility expertise, and the question is not whether to bring EVs to India, but when and how. When Renault enters the Indian EV market, it should bring a truly state-of-the-art product that offers exceptional value without compromising safety, durability, or customer experience. Indian conditions require additional engineering considerations for battery safety, water wading, thermal management, and long-term durability.
Software-defined vehicles are transforming the industry. Dr. Vikraman V noted that the pace of change is extraordinary, and OEMs must continuously evolve cockpit technology, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), connectivity, software architecture, and electronics. The same platform must support multiple powertrains, multiple vehicle segments, and feature levels, and engineers must balance software capability, hardware cost, and future scalability. India's electronics ecosystem is maturing rapidly and steadily closing the gap with global leaders.
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