Renault R4, R5 and Scenic EVs firm for Oz

Renault says it’s “in good shape” to meet Australia’s first new-vehicle fuel-efficiency standards, which are set to come into force from 2025, as it looks to grow its share of the electric vehicle market and capitalise on a new model onslaught that includes more EVs.

But there’s no stratospheric sales growth on the horizon for the French auto brand, which has been distributed locally by Ateco Automotive since 2021.

Speaking at the launch of the new 2024 Renault Megane E-Tech electric SUV, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey said the company had “stabilised the volume” and was happy with Renault’s current sales levels.

“We see that volume of around about 8000 [units annually] correct for the brand,” he said, adding that the government’s proposed Option B plan for CO2 reduction – which calls for a circa-61 per cent reduction by 2029 – would suit the brand.

“The Renault range is in good shape under Option B… we’re either electric or we’re four-cylinder.”

Renault’s Australian sales dropped by nine per cent in 2023 but have grown since Ateco took over distribution.

“It’s been a good increase coming up from 2020,” said Sealey.

He said EVs will start playing a bigger role in the Renault product portfolio moving forward, starting with the Megane E-Tech and taking in the upcoming Kangoo E-Tech van that arrives next month.

“We’ve been out of the market for a long time with Kangoo so it’ll be good to get that vehicle back into market,” says Sealey.

“It’s a unique segment but we still see an opportunity for a smaller van that’s sustainable, that offers a car-like drive, is easy to manoeuvre in the city, easy to get in and out of and is still relatively utilitarian in terms of what it can do.”

Crucially, the Kangoo could yield a significant chunk of its admittedly niche volume from the E-Tech electric version, which will be the first to arrive before being bolstered by internal combustion engine variants aroundmiod-year.

“We’re seeing a much kinder split in the forward orders to E-Tech,” said Sealey. “It could be as high as 30 per cent.”

The top-seller in the Renault Australia line-up is still the Koleos mid-sized SUV, something Sealey believes will remain for the foreseeable future.

“Koleos is still a very handsome vehicle. It still offers great value for money for what it is in the marketplace and we would like to continue with that car for as long as we possibly can.”

That said, there’s no denying its age; the Koleos utilises the underpinnings of the previous generation Nissan X-TRAIL.

Sealey did not go into specifics about what would ultimately replace the Koleos, which plays in an important part of the market, other than to say “there’s a big product portfolio coming from Europe”.

But it appears the expected Dacia models – including the Duster and Bigster, which would be badged as Renaults in Australia – could fill the role for families looking for a value-focussed SUVs.

While neither has been signed off for Australia – and nor has the closely related Dacia Niagara ute – Sealey says they’re high on the wish list.

The same applies to the new electric-only Renault Scenic, which could also play a role for those who want the space and functionality of an SUV or small people-mover.

“There’s a natural progression of product that you’ve seen overseas that is obviously on our dance card,” said Sealey, pointing to the imminent EV rebirths of the Renault 4 and 5 hatchbacks.

“We have our hand up for Scenic… R5… and R4.”

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