Renault Wraps 2012 on a High, Looks for More Growth in 2013

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – Jan 2, 2013: Renault sales in 2012 set a new record for the brand in Australia since its return in 2001.

Renault delivered 5011 vehicles in Australia last year, up from 3622 in 2011, growth of 38%. Renault’s previous best figure was 4565 in 2002. In 2012, Renault secured six of its highest delivery months since 2001, with September 2012 setting a new benchmark.

The expansion of the dealer network through the year, the launch of a revised hero model, as well as a number of customer friendly initiatives helped to continue a strong growth profile for Europe’s second biggest selling brand.

Sales of Renault light commercial vehicles also increased substantially; boosted by the arrival early in the year of the new Master large van.

“We are delighted that we were able to welcome so many new customers to the brand within our full year sales tally of 5011 vehicles delivered,” says Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia.

“Our growth profile continues to be very encouraging, and our total surpassed any other year since the brand returned to Australian retail operations in 2001.

“We saw growth across a broad section of the range, from Koleos compact SUV to the much lauded and awarded RS 265, while the Mégane hatch and Latitude large sedan also exceeded their previous year totals.

“We are extremely confident of continuing growth in Australia in 2013, as we have a bevy of exciting new models to launch, most notably the new Renault Clio IV light car, which will be available in the second half of the year, and which will plug a gaping hole in our line up.

“The affordable Renault Clio IV light car will give us the muscle power to compete in one of the biggest and most active market segments. We promise light car buyers looking for a chic, sexy, sporty and exceptionally well-equipped five-door hatch that Renault will have the answer to their needs.

“For hot hatch fans, the wait for the much-anticipated new turbocharged high output Clio Renault Sport may be a little longer, but it will definitely be worth it.

“In addition, we plan to augment our LCV range this year, again attacking segments of the market from which we have been absent for too long,” he says.

“Renault led the market with our highly popular Zero % finance offers in 2012. In 2013 we will be expanding our capped price servicing, putting more emphasis on our Approved Used Cars programme, adding more dealers in convenient locations outside the major metro centres, and continuing with our five-year factory warranty on new passenger cars.

“We remain committed to delivering high value, exciting and attainable cars to the Australian market in 2013,” he says.