Nissan to launch re-badged Renault Duster in 2013!

Nissan will launch their version of the Renault Duster SUV in India by the end of 2013. Both Renault and Nissan were earlier denying such a possibility but Nissan has now confirmed that they will launch a rebadged Duster.

Codenamed NH79 the rebadged Duster from Nissan will the first product the brand will borrow from Renault. Renault has already launched the Pulse and Scala which are rebadged versions of the Nissan Micra and Sunny respectively. Also read: Renault Duster beats the longest best-selling SUV

“We’ve got quite a differentiated car and the differences are far more significant than on the V-platform products (Micra/Pulse and Sunny/Scala). The hood and the fenders have differences and the bumpers are different too. But it’s more than just a bumpers and grille change for sure,” Nissan’s executive vice-president, Colin Dodge was quoted as saying by Autocar India.

The Duster has been a positive development for Renault and Nissan will probably be able to take this success further as all their models are priced lower than their Renault counterparts. Nissan is more popular than Renault in India at present and the Duster with cosmetic changes will be a step up for the brand. Renault may however delay their sharing with Nissan for the Duster till 2014. This will allow them to cash in on the Duster before a cheaper version of the SUV is launched. Do you think Nissan’s version of the Duster will be more attractive? Share your views in the comments section below! Also read: Choosing between Renault Duster 85PS and 110PS