Renault South Africa has long wanted to offer the Duster Oroch bakkie in South Africa, but has thus far been hamstrung by a distinct lack of right-hand-drive production. A fresh report out of Australia, however, suggests discussions on such a model are looking “very positive”.
According to CarAdvice, the Australian arm of the French automaker has formally “proposed a new pick-up strategy”, which includes “a request for the right-hand-drive Renault Oroch development”.
“This is a vehicle currently produced in South America in left-hand-drive, however we are requesting Renault to look at expanding the Oroch to other right-hand-drive markets,” the brand told the Australian publication.
Renault’s distributor Down Under added that it was “gaining support” from the global light commercial vehicle division in this respect.
“Our discussions to date have been very positive and we are gaining support from the global LCV division. There are still a number of things to follow through on as development would be specific for our market,” the statement added, making reference to the country’s safety standards.
“We believe there is strong demand for a lifestyle-based [double-cab] pick-up beyond just the big ladder-frame products available on the market today. We believe there’s market demand and we’d be keen to see it here by the end of 2019.”
Renault South Africa, meanwhile, has long told CARmag.co.za that while it “remains committed” to introducing the Duster-based bakkie locally, timing will depend on right-hand-drive production volume.
