Renault targets ambitious growth in the GCC

The car-maker unveiled its latest product range at the Dubai Motor Show, which took place recently.

'More than 10 new models will be introduced across the region over the next three years,' said Mohamed Bennani, Managing Director of Renault GCC. 'Each model will be fully tested locally and will be adapted to local driving conditions and customer expectations. Reliability and quality of the cars will be of the highest possible standards and effective immediately, our warranty will be extended to three years/ 100 000 kilometres.'

Renault, thanks to its alliance with Nissan, is the 4th largest automotive group in the world. With 6m cars sold in 2006, the Renault-Nissan alliance has a 9 per cent market share worldwide.

New product line-up

Starting in 2008, Renault's new line-up will cover each product segment from Sports Limited Editions, to SUV, to Coupe convertible sedans, including highly reliable MPVs and Sedans.

All models will be equipped with an air-conditioning system designed to suit extreme climatic conditions that prevail in the GCC. Reliability and robustness has been reinforced in each car offering optimum highest performance.

'This is why all vehicles introduced in the GCC are now guaranteed for 3 years/ 100,000 km. The warranty will reassure customers and demonstrate Renault's confidence in the reliability and durability of its new line-up,' added Bennani.

'We have ambitious plans for the region and our long-term strategy is based on Renault's core brand values - Quality, Safety, Sports and Fun. These core values will be reflected through all our initiatives and the product we launch.'

Quality

As part of its new product line-up for the GCC, Renault will launch the new Logan sedan towards the end of 2008. Logan is already a huge success and has proved its reliability in countries with extreme climates such as Argentina, Morocco and Russia. The Logan MCV is expected to arrive in 2009. Both are modern, spacious and very competitively priced cars that offer unrivalled roominess in their respective product segment.

Safety

For over 50 years, Renault has been setting the standard in automotive safety. It is the only vehicle manufacturer to have eight cars with the maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. What sets Renault apart from its competitors is its commitment to select the best technologies for prevention, correction and protection and deploying them across its line-up.

Renault also aims to bring its global 'safety for all' campaign to the GCC. Since its launch in 2000, the campaign has given primary school teachers a chance to develop their pupils' awareness relating to road safety issues using specially-tailored kits of teaching material and through competitions. This year's campaign has enabled Renault to reach out to more than 1.2 million children aged between 7 and 11 across the world.

Sport & Fun

Renault is synonymous with motor sport excellence owing to six world F1 team titles in the 90's and two constructor and driver titles in 2005 and 2006. This excellence gave birth to the famous hot hatches such as the Renault Turbo 2, Clio Williams and the Clio Renault Sports series. Continuing this trend, Renault GCC unveiled the new Clio F1 Team along with the new Megane F1 team car, which will be available across the GCC from the first quarter of 2008. The Clio F1 team car will be sold as a limited edition, with only 30 cars being brought to the region.

Also launched was the Koleos Concept which marks Renault's first entry into the SUV segment. Styled by Renault designers working in collaboration with the Renault Samsung Motors Design Centre in Korea and engineered on a shared platform with Nissan, Koleos Concept combines high stance and features of an SUV, the roominess and stowage solutions of an MPV and comfort and sporty feel of a modern saloon car.

Koleos Concept will be available in the GCC by the end of next year.

Renault's investment in the region

With 13 main showrooms across the GCC, Renault has a network of dealerships and workshops that provide a diverse range of services to customers.

Reaffirming its commitment to the region, Renault has also invested in a Technical Hub and a Call-Center. The Technical Hub will check the reliability and durability of each new model brought into the region, making sure the car is adapted for use locally. The Technical Hub will also provide technical assistance.

The recently launched Renault call-center is an endeavour by the French manufacturer to extend its services and promote personal and round the clock assistance for each customer.

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