Renault India has kickstarted a fresh chapter in its journey with a bold and India-centric transformation strategy called Renault. Rethink. The automaker marked this shift with the grand opening of its revamped Renault Design Centre in Chennai. This isn’t just a facelift—it’s a key move in Renault’s bigger vision to go from simply making in India to designing in India for India and beyond.
Strategy
The new initiative is aimed at strengthening Renault’s connection with Indian consumers by creating vehicles that reflect local tastes, needs, and driving conditions. With design becoming a more vital part of how we experience cars, Renault wants its future models to be more than just functional—they want them to feel Indian at their core.
The idea is simple but powerful: design with purpose, and design with the people in mind. This design-first approach will not only feed the Indian product lineup but also support global projects within the Renault Group.
Facility
Spread across 1,500 square metres, the new Renault Design Centre India is nothing short of state-of-the-art. It brings together futuristic tech and creative spaces to serve as a playground for designers and engineers. The space has been specifically created to nurture innovation, improve speed to market, and build vehicles that resonate with Indian customers from the drawing board itself.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this facility stand out:
| Area | Features |
|---|---|
| Immersive Exhibition Space | 3D model evaluations and VR-based real-time design reviews |
| Visualisation Studio | Real-time high-def presentations using advanced software tools |
| Collaboration Zone | Open space for brainstorming and team-driven creative sessions |
| High-Performance LED Wall | 8.5m x 2.4m display for striking presentations on local and global work |
| Virtual Reality Integration | Three ultra-realistic VR setups for interactive design simulations |
Purpose
More than just a stylish design hub, this centre is a strategic addition to Renault’s growing ecosystem in India. Located within the RNTBCI (Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India) in Chennai, it brings together design, engineering, and innovation under one roof.
This proximity allows for faster and more fluid collaboration across departments—meaning designers can work side-by-side with engineers, marketers, and product teams. That synergy is expected to fast-track the entire car development cycle, from initial concept to the showroom floor.
Vision
Laurens van den Acker, Renault Group’s Chief Design Officer, summed up the strategy with clarity. India, he says, is a country with unique preferences and a rapidly evolving automotive scene. To truly serve it, Renault needs to design from within it. The Chennai studio gives Renault the local lens it needs—drawing on regional talent and insights to build cars that don’t just work in India, but work for India.
And with this creative powerhouse now live, the goal is to shape not just India-specific models but also global concepts. In short, Chennai won’t just design for Chennai—it’ll help shape Renault’s mobility vision for the world.
The message is clear: Renault isn’t just adapting to India—it’s investing in India’s creative potential. And the Renault Design Centre is the first step in a journey that’s as much about imagination as it is about innovation.
FAQs
What is Renault. Rethink?
Renault’s new India-focused transformation strategy.
Where is the Renault Design Centre located?
It is located in Chennai within the RNTBCI hub.
What tech is used in the design centre?
It includes VR setups, LED walls, and real-time design tools.
What is the purpose of the centre?
To design India-focused and global Renault models.
Who leads the design vision at Renault?
Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer.
