Renault has inaugurated a new design centre near Chennai as part of its plans to increase local design and manufacturing capabilities in India. The Renault Design Centre Chennai (RDCC), located at Mahindra World City about 55 km south of Chennai, is part of the company’s strategy to roll out five new vehicle models in the country over the next two years.
The centre spans 1,500 square metres and includes features such as an immersive exhibition space, a next-generation visualisation studio, a high-performance LED wall for presentations, and advanced virtual reality integration. It is situated close to the Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India, allowing for integration between design, engineering, and development functions.
According to Renault CEO and Managing Director Venkatram Mamillapalle, all five planned models will be designed and manufactured in India with a strong emphasis on localisation. The new centre is Renault’s fifth such facility worldwide.
Laurens van den Acker, Renault Group Chief Design Officer, stated that the centre will focus on developing models tailored to the Indian market while also contributing to global projects. “By leveraging local talents and insights, this centre will play a key role in shaping Renault’s future mobility solution,” he said.
Renault has also announced its ‘renault. rethink’ strategy, which it describes as part of its International Gameplan 2027. The company revealed a sculpture representing its future design direction in India during the inauguration.
Renault currently sources made-in-India auto parts for use in vehicles produced globally and employs around 10,000 engineers worldwide, including those working on both domestic and international projects.