Renault-Nissan Alliance is planning to introduce its global CMF-B modular platform in India. The JV will soon announce an investment of Rs 4000 crore, which is in final stages of approval. A new report claims that Renault will introduce the 3rd generation Duster SUV based on the new CMF-B platform. Nissan will also have its own version of the new mid-sized SUV, which will be designed & developed on the new platform.
Renault-Nissan JV will follow the Skoda-Volkswagen strategy, which successfully launches 4 products – Slavia, Virtus, Taigun & Kushaq on the MQB AO IN platform. Nissan is currently selling the Kicks SUV in the mid-sized SUV category. It is based on outdated M0 platform, which is likely to be globally discontinued with the introduction of 3rd gen Duster SUV. Nissan will utilise the new & modern CMF-B platform to develop a new mid-sized SUV, which will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder & the Maruti Grand Vitara.
The report also claims that the new SUVs will have 3-row derivatives as well. The 7-seater versions will rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and the MG Hector Plus. The Alliance will have to make certain changes to the CMF-B platform to achieve higher localisation levels.
The new CMF-B architecture will also open a door for electric vehicles from the Alliance partners. This platform has an electric derivative called the CMF-B EV. The new architecture will meet the existing and upcoming safety norms, and will support electrification including hybrid and EV powertrains. Not just a mid-sized SUV, the architecture is versatile enough to accommodate different body styles.
Previous reports reveal that the European-spec new Duster could receive the plug-in hybrid powertrain that is offered on the Renault Captur E-Tech & the Nissan Juke Hybrid. While most of the B-SUVs are offered in FWD layouts, the next-gen Duster & new Nissan SUV will come with the 4WD option. The new model is likely to offer 4WD layout, higher ground clearance and respectable approach & departure angles.
Nissan has recently revealed the X-Trail, Qashqai and the Juke SUVs at an event in New Delhi. The company has announced that they are testing and studying the possibility of launching these SUVs via CBU route. Nissan has also announced that the X-Trail could be the first model to be launched in our market.
Source – AutoCarIndia
