KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Renault opens its second-largest global design centre in Chennai
- Studio features VR tech, LED wall, visualization suite
- Design reflects Indian tastes with global design precision
- Located near R&D hub for seamless design collaboration
- New centre supports Renault's "renault. rethink" India strategy
Renault India, a key player in the country's automotive sector, today inaugurated its state-of-the-art Renault Design Centre in Chennai. This facility, the second largest of its kind after Renault's primary design hub in France, underscores the French automaker's commitment to India as a critical market and a global innovation powerhouse. Check out more details below, and make sure you join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.
Read more: Hyundai Unveils Its Next-Gen Hybrid System: India Bound?
Technology for Tailored Design
The Chennai Design Centre, spanning 1,500 square meters, is a cutting-edge facility designed to foster creativity and innovation tailored to Indian consumers. Equipped with advanced technologies such as virtual reality setups, a high-resolution LED wall, and a next-generation visualisation studio, the centre is poised to redefine automotive design. It will focus on crafting vehicles that resonate with India's unique preferences while also contributing to Renault's global portfolio.
Strategic Location Enhances Collaboration
"This new design studio is a game-changer for us, said Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer of Renault Group." India's vibrant and diverse market demands a deep understanding of local tastes. By establishing this hub in Chennai, were not only designing for India but also leveraging the incredible talent here to influence our global projects." Strategically located near the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), the design studio benefits from close collaboration with engineering and R&D teams, enabling seamless integration of design and innovation.
Indian Cultures in Design Philosophy
The centre incorporates a unique "Tactile Confluence" philosophy, blending European design precision with Indian cultural influences to create an inspiring workspace. This approach ensures that the designs reflect both global standards and local sensibilities, making the studio a melting pot of creativity.
Renaults "Rethink" Strategy Takes Flight
The launch aligns with Renault India's ambitious "Renault. Rethink" strategy, a transformative vision aimed at redefining the brand's presence in India. This initiative emphasises deep localisation, with up to 90% of components sourced locally, and a renewed focus on customer-centric innovation. The strategy also coincides with Renault's recent move to fully acquire the Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) manufacturing plant, reinforcing its "Make in India" commitment.
Leadership Vision for India's Market
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and Managing Director of Renault India Operations, highlighted the significance of the new facility: "The Renault Design Centre Chennai marks a pivotal moment in our journey. As the most Indian of European automakers, we are proud to house one of our largest R&D centres, a robust manufacturing ecosystem, and now this world-class design studio. Together, these efforts will help us deliver vehicles that truly connect with Indian customers."
Symbolic Sculpture Showcased
The Chennai studio is more than a design hub - it's a symbol of Renaults broader vision for India. A striking conceptual sculpture, unveiled during the inauguration, embodies this ethos. Dubbed "Renault. Rethink," the artwork uses fragmented surfaces and a glowing core to represent innovation, evolution, and the brand's dynamic role in India's automotive landscape.
Building on Global Success
Renault's investment in India comes on the heels of a stellar global performance in 2024, with the company reporting a record-breaking operating profit of ,4.3 billion and revenue growth of 7.4 per cent to ,56.2 billion. India, the world's third-largest automotive market, is a cornerstone of Renault's International Game Plan 2027, and the Chennai Design Centre is set to play a central role in achieving these goals.
A Legacy of Innovation in India
With nearly 10,000 engineers already working at its Chennai R&D centre and a legacy of exporting made-in-India auto parts worldwide, Renault is doubling down on its 20-year presence in the country. The new design studio not only strengthens Renault's foothold in India but also positions it as a leader in innovative, market-specific automotive design.
Read more: 2025 Skoda Kodiaq Vs MG Gloster: The Comparison You Needed!
Verdict
As Renault India embarks on this new chapter, the Chennai Design Centre stands as a testament to the brand's belief in India's potential, not just as a market, but as a global hub for automotive excellence. With its focus on collaboration, localisation, and cutting-edge design, Renault is poised to drive India's automotive future forward.
