Auto giant ‘Renault India’ has on October 1, 2012 said that it will hike the price of its new sports utility vehicle ‘Duster’ by up to Rs.40,000. The company cited that the price of the new SUV has been increased due to the increase in the raw material costs and ups and downs noticed in foreign exchange.
Renault Duster was launched in the Indian market in the month of July 2012 with an introductory price of Rs. 7.19 lakh for the entry level petrol variant and Rs. 7.99 lakh ex showroom price for the diesel variant. The company in a statement said, “The price for Duster petrol variant will see a price increase by Rs 30,000 whereas the Duster diesel will see a price hike by Rs 40,000”.
The new hiked prices will be effective from October 1, 2012. Meanwhile the company has received 20,000 bookings since it has been launched. The company also said that the introductory price will be maintained for all the booking which will be made till the end of August 2012.
Marc Nassif the Managing Director of Renault India said, “Facing an increase in raw material prices and instability in foreign exchange, factors which are beyond our control, we had to increase the retail price of Renault Duster.” The diesel variant of the vehicle is powered by 1.5 litre engine and the petrol with 1.6 litre engine.
