Renault opens new design centre in India

Renault India has officially kicked off a new chapter in its journey with the launch of its India-centric transformation strategy, ‘renault. rethink’. Marking a significant milestone, the French automaker inaugurated its all-new Renault Design Centre in Chennai (RDCC)—the brand’s largest design facility outside of France. With a 1.5 million Euro investment (Rs 14.5 crore), this new facility is the third of its kind in India, succeeding the studios in Pune and Mumbai. With a focus on both local and global market preferences, the RDCC will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Renault vehicles. With this studio, the brand aims to conceive new vehicle designs that will contribute to its global lineup. Over the next two years, the brand will launch five new models in the Indian market, all of which have been completely developed in the RDCC.

The opening of the RDCC signals Renault’s deepening commitment to India and sets the stage for its International Gameplan 2027.

The new facility embodies Renault’s ambition to “design in India”, building on its well-established “make in India” approach. Located inside the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI), the design centre is expected to become a hub of excellence, driving creativity, localisation, and product relevance for the Indian market.

About Renault’s new design centre in Chennai

The studio’s design philosophy—Tactile Confluence—blends sleek European architecture with Indian cultural influences, creating an environment that fuels creativity. It features advanced technologies including VR integration, immersive exhibition spaces, a 8.5 metre by 2.5 metre LED wall to view designs, and flexible collaboration zones. With up to 90 per cent localisation, a planned full takeover of RNAIPL, and a revamped dealership network, Renault is positioning itself as “the most Indian of European carmakers.”

Renault India future ventures

The French carmaker asserts that the year 2025 marks an inflection point for Renault in India creating a springboard for the company's next leap and accomplishing its ambitions in the world’s third largest automobile market. Renault will be launching five new cars, across the C-SUV and B-SUV segment, over the next two years in the Indian market, all of which have been developed in the RDCC. The brand will also roll out a new identity with its R-store sales concept, the first of which is already up and running in Chennai. To celebrate the opening of the Renault Design Centre in Chennai, the brand has unveiled a static sculpture that offers a glimpse into what future Renault models could look like. Adorned with a series of screens and lights, the sculpture previews several design elements that may feature on the Renaults of tomorrow.

The opening of the RDCC marks a new chapter in Renault’s efforts to strengthen its presence in India.