Renault Duster Named Argentina's SUV of the Year for 2011
The Renault Duster secured the 2011 SUV of the Year award in Argentina, chosen by the PIA jury from 35 new models launched in the country within the year.
Renault's Duster took the top spot in Argentina's “SUV of the Year 2011” contest, after a jury of 17 automotive journalists from the Periodistas de la Industria Automotriz (PIA) selected it ahead of 34 other new models launched in the country over the previous 12 months.
The award, announced in early November 2011, highlights Renault's renewed presence in the Argentine SUV segment. The Duster, assembled locally and launched in mid-October, quickly made an impact in a market where Renault already held a 13 percent share in 2010. The PIA jury considered all models introduced from 1 November 2010 to 31 October 2011, reflecting the growing importance of SUVs and crossovers in South America.
Selection process and competition
The PIA award is decided by a panel of journalists representing Argentina’s leading specialist automotive publications. For the 2011 edition, the jury weighed up 35 new models. The Duster's win comes as part of a broader trend, with the Dacia-branded version already collecting similar accolades in Europe, including the “Car of the Year 2011” title in Romania and the “Autobest 2011” award.
In Argentina, the Duster entered a market with established competition from both global and regional manufacturers. Its positioning as an affordable, rugged SUV appealed to buyers seeking practicality and value, a formula that had already proved successful in other emerging markets. The vehicle's rapid recognition by the PIA jury suggests Renault’s strategy of bringing the Duster to South America paid off immediately.
Renault's position in Argentina
Renault has operated in Argentina for over half a century, maintaining a strong local presence through both manufacturing and sales. The Duster joined a line-up that included the Clio, Logan, Sandero Stepway, Fluence, Symbol, Sandero, Kangoo, Koléos, Mégane and Latitude. The company’s broad range and local assembly have helped it stay competitive in a market sensitive to price and import restrictions.
The Duster’s award in Argentina adds to a growing list of international honours for the model. In addition to its European and Romanian successes, the Duster was named “Car of the Year 2011” in Croatia. The vehicle’s global popularity was reflected in sales figures, with over 300,000 units sold worldwide by late 2011. For further details on the Duster’s international awards, see Dacia Duster Collects Two UK Awards for Value-Focused Approach.
What the award means for Renault and buyers
Recognition from the PIA jury is likely to boost the Duster’s profile among Argentine buyers, especially those considering a switch to a compact SUV. For Renault, the award supports its efforts to expand in the SUV segment and reinforces the Duster’s credentials as a practical, value-driven choice for the region. The model’s early success in Argentina mirrors its rapid uptake in other markets, confirming the demand for accessible SUVs with robust engineering and simple maintenance.
