UK - India-made Duster contributes 56% of Dacia's first year sales

Dacia is performing extremely well in the UK market having sold its 10,000th car in just 10 months. Dacia entered the market in January with the Sandero and Duster, the latter exported from the Renault-Nissan alliance's Chennai factory.

Out of the 10,000 units retailed, 5,600 units are the Dacia Duster, while 5,400 cars were the Romania-made Sandero hatchback. Dacia has also announced the Logan MCV (Logan estate) in its lineup recently, which is yet to begin sales though. Another model which Dacia hopes would do big numbers is the Sandero Stepway variant (a raised Sandero with an off-roader appearance).

The ten thousandth car, a Gray Metallic Ambiance diesel variant with 4x4, was driven away by a hospital worker. The owner said she was drawn to the car after she learned that it was voted as the Scottish car of the year. She traded in her petrol-powered Mazda 6 for the SUV. The Duster is also available with a 1.6-liter petrol engine, and additionally in 2WD.

Dacia UK say that their models enjoy a good residual value. After three years of 60k miles, a Sandero's estimated residual value is 38% while the Duster enjoys 35% for the same period. Dacia's best performing dealers in this region are in Scotland and Wales.