Renault India demonstrated its offerings in the electric vehicle space with the showcase of several concept cars at the ongoing AutoExpo 2018. The senior company executives present at the event claim that Renault stands to gain significantly as India is gradually moving towards adopting newer automotive technologies. DNA Money caught up with Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and MD, Renault India operations, on the sidelines.

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Do you think there are still some years for EVs to become common on Indian roads?

The transformation to electric cars is inevitable in India, which poses a great opportunity to the automotive industry. It is time for the government to put in place a clear policy, time-frame and the necessary infrastructure to enable automobile OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to be adequately prepared and take strategic long-term decisions. Renault is the EV leader in Europe, with comprehensive knowledge about advanced and affordable EV technology, which we can harness through our technology centre in India. We have already made our presence strong in the focal segments of India's automotive market and are future-ready to build our range, in keeping with evolving market needs and conditions. The EVs cannot be successful till the time you don't have a clear ecosystem for it.

Do you have any plans to get into creating infrastructure for EVs so as to give initial push to the segment?

As an automotive manufacturer, our role is to make a product and we should not get into the infrastructure creation business. There are enough people to do such business. It is like we as car manufacturers are not supposed to be into the business of creating and operating fuel stations - that is not our core business and removes our focus from what we are required to do.

Kwid has been a very successful product for you in India. Do you have any plans to bring out an electric version of it?

Talking about creating an electric version of Kwid would be highly speculative at this point in time. All I can say is that Kwid has had a successful run since it has been launched, clocking an average sale of 8,000-9,000 units per month. We want to increase the numbers further up.

How has been the response for Captur so far?

It is too early to come out with the sales numbers for it as we are still in the launching phase.

What about your concept cars being showcased?

India is one of our biggest international markets. Since Renault is synonymous with design, we have opened two design centres in India. Early last year, we launched an exciting initiative - 'Design Academy India', basis which we selected four talented candidates from more than 400 online applications. Their projects are being showcased at the event.