Renault drops five models from line-up
20.12.2011 - Andy Goodwin
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Renault will take five models out of UK showrooms early next year and cut its number of dealerships by around a third.
The decision was taken following a significant and damaging drop in its sales in recent years and the weakening of the pound against the euro.
Renault enjoyed a UK car market share of around 7.6 per cent in 2002, but this has dwindled to just 3.5 per cent so far in 2011.
Models facing the axe include the Laguna Hatch, Sport Tourer estate and Coupe. The Espace, Grand Espace, Modus, Grand Modus and Kangoo MPV will also go. The Espace was widely heralded as a pioneering model, popularising the MPV concept in Britain, when it first arrived in the 1980s.
The newly-launched Renault Wind roadster will also go, most likely after slow initial sales, despite positive reviews from the motoring press.
Renault will focus instead on the models which make up the majority of its UK sales, spearheaded by the Clio supermini, which is due to be replaced by a new version next year. A new Twingo city car is arriving in the coming months and the Megane hatchback, Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs continue to sell in good numbers.
From February all cars will be sold with a four-year/100,000-mile warranty, to attract more buyers and make the brand more competitive with rival manufacturers.
Renault will also continue to invest in electric cars - where it sees many of its future sales - ploughing ahead with plans to bring the Twizy, Fluence Z.E. and Zoe Z.E. electric vehicles to the UK over the course of 2012.
