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Old 15th August 2013, 00:02   #1
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Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

Today is India's 67th Independence Day, and French automaker Renault has used the ensuing long weekend to launch a new expedition initiative for the owners of the Duster SUV, the car maker's best selling product in the Indian car market. Renault has just launched the West Coast Expedition for Duster owners and their families, under the "Gang of Dusters" initiative.

Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners-renault-duster-suv.jpg

This expedition, consisting of a number of Renault Duster SUVs, will involve a road trip from Mumbai starting today, and will traverse Panhala, Dandeli, Goa and Kolad, before arriving back at Mumbai on the 19th August. Here's an excerpt from Renault India's official communication, on what the participants of the West Coast Expedition will get to experience,

Quote:
During the drive, participants will have the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other Duster owners and drive enthusiasts as well as visit historic sites, go on a wildlife safari, talk to a rally expert, take part in impromptu rallies, go rock climbing, build rafts and attend interactive service sessions, among others.

Clearly, Renault India is seeking to promote the Duster SUV as an expedition vehicle, as a means of exploring India. Going forward, Renault has plans of many more such expeditions in various parts of the country. Such initiatives from car makers aren't new in India.

Mahindra has a dedicated Adventure division that organizes road trips and off road jamborees while Tata Motors conducts off road trials for owners of Tata SUVs under the Tata Motors Full Throttle banner. These events are used to showcase the vehicles's capabilities and also to give owners unique experiences.

The Renault Duster sold in India is available with petrol and turbo diesel engine options. The 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engined variants of the Duster that come in 85 Bhp-200 Nm and 108 Bhp-248 Nm power and torque outputs remain the fast selling models of this SUV. The petrol version remains a slow seller as SUV buyers in India generally prefer diesel power.

5 speed and 6 speed manual gearboxes are standard on the 85 Ps and 110 PS versions of the 1.5 liter K9K diesel engined Duster. Although the Duster that's sold in India comes with ample ground clearance of 205 mm, the SUV is front wheel driven, a factor that somewhat limits the its go anywhere credentials.

For the next year at least, Renault India has no plans of introducing the four wheel drive system on the Duster, a feature that's available on the models that the French automaker's Indian factory exports to the United Kingdom. So, the upcoming Duster expeditions from Renault India are expected to be held mainly on well paved surfaces.

Last edited by JayPrashanth : 15th August 2013 at 00:03. Reason: News Link Added
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Old 15th August 2013, 00:17   #2
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Re: Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

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Originally Posted by JayPrashanth View Post
Today is India's 67th Independence Day, and French automaker Renault has used the ensuing long weekend to launch a new expedition initiative for the owners of the Duster SUV, the car maker's best selling product in the Indian car market. Renault has just launched the West Coast Expedition for Duster owners and their families.

Clearly, Renault India is seeking to promote the Duster SUV as an expedition vehicle, as a means of exploring India. Going forward, Renault has plans of many more such expeditions in various parts of the country. Such initiatives from car makers aren't new in India.
A good initiative by Renault to help strengthen it's brand value in India and spread awareness to all cities and owner giving them an insight of there does exist such a car and a company.

While I saw the topic it read 'West Coast'. Instantly jumped into this thread thinking it is the West Coast Customs (Seen more on Discovery Turbo) and Renault owners will get a chance to customize their cars by them. But..

All the best Renault.

Happy Independence Day to all!

Anurag.

Last edited by a4anurag : 15th August 2013 at 00:18.
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Old 15th August 2013, 00:36   #3
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Will renault withstand true 4*4.seems like a joke.
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Old 15th August 2013, 10:11   #4
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Re: Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

Looks like Renault India is worried about Duster's market performance in the recent months. To worsen the situation Ford EcoSport is mopping up huge volumes. Now Renault may want to engage Duster owners to maintain the sales volumes. Such initiatives will take time to give results.
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Old 19th August 2013, 10:12   #5
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Re: Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

Playing with dirt
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Old 19th August 2013, 10:18   #6
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Re: Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

Well whatever the reasons may be for introducing this , its a good initiative in my opinion from the company , opportunity to not only interact but create great content which can be fed back into marketing activities.
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Old 19th August 2013, 10:40   #7
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Re: Renault India launches West Coast Expedition for Duster owners

I happened to spot this convoy in Goa day before yesterday driving from Ponda towards Panaji. Kept wondering why there were so many Dusters on the road with long antennas on TN registered ones for CB radios. Now I know.
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Old 19th August 2013, 11:52   #8
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Unlike mens only adventure trips, this seems to be fun family outing. I see women and kids along. Good vacation and road trip combined with adventure drives.

Will surely look forward for something organised down south. Some hill and forest trails would be welcome.
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Old 25th December 2013, 23:22   #9
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I never understood that despite a serious dearth of choices for 4wd in this category why are automobile makers so reluctant to provide 4wd as an option in their models. Renault could have taken an initiative and provided 4wd as optional in their top models. The way they are showcasing Duster as a competetive SUV adding a 4wd would only make it a more credible offroader and would do more good than any harm to its image. But then i am no expert in automobile sales and projection but only an enthusiast who would love to have such an option in India as well when the same is available to the rest of the world.
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