Renault roll-out

Renault has no less than eight new models to release to local buyers in the next twelve months.

Following the launch of the RS Clio Cup 200 models this month, the importer will introduce the updated Koleos in May.

The new Koleos has been redesigned, receiving a new spoiler and restyled interior. Currently Renault Australia's best-seller, the Koleos will also come standard with Bluetooth and satnav -- unavailable in the previous version, even as an option -- and multimedia connectivity.

Renault's established commercial lineup will take on the new Phase III Trafic van and updated Kangoo mini-hauler in July.

September will see the arrival of the Megane sedan, Megane CC and RenaultSport 250 (pictured) models, and the stylish Fluence sedan will follow shortly after. The updated lineup effectively replaces Renault's Australia's entire range over the next 18 months.

The light-car segment Twingo model, however, is not on the agenda for local showrooms. Renault Australia's Managing Director, Rudi Koenig told the Carsales Network the hatch would be perceived as too close to the Clio and admitted the company could not import and sell it for under the $20K price point managed by segment competitors.

"Unless you're able to compete with the Japanese, in a segment dominated by the Japanese entrants, you're never going to be anything but a small player," he said.

Koenig denied Renault's charge in the small-car segment was reliant on the hot RenaultSport models. The Clio is offered only in RS-spec in Australia, however he argued the company offers the Megane in a sedate sedan version. As mentioned, the RS 250 and CC versions will lead the Megane lineup release in September.

Koenig admits his company has not been aggressive in marketing the brand, because they could not easily accommodate customer demands due to product sourcing issues.

"It's been a bit of desert for us, except for Koleos, for the last four or five years. We've deliberately delayed the introduction of some products so we can introduce international versions," he said. Koenig also admitted the company had received "a bit of heat" for being later than rivals in bringing models to market which were being offered in Europe.

"But we are about to make some major strides in that regard," he said. "This is probably the biggest product revolution in Renault Australia's history," Koenig said. The majority of the model roll out will arrive in the latter part of the year, and Koenig suggests the company's ability to make full use of it for customers will be reflected in 2011.

Renault's biggest problem has been trying to source volume product (mainstream models) at the right price.

"What we've failed to be able to do is have a product to build a base on," he suggested. "We haven't had a [VW] Golf, we haven't had a [Peugeot] 307... We did it with Clio initially but the vehicle was priced out of the market as a volume product."

Currently the company has been trying to build a base on Koleos. Last year Renault Australia sold 1000 units of the softroader and expects to do better when the new, better-equipped model arrives. Koenig also believes the new products will attract a broader range of buyers.

Renault's upturn is largely due to the French brand's "growing internationalisation", according to Koenig. Increased formation and use of facilities under the Renault-Nissan Alliance has availed cheaper sourcing options. Renault, which owns a controlling interest in Nissan, now has access to production facilities in South Korea, where Koleos is made, and India, for example, in addition to the facility in Turkey where the Megane sedan is built.

The difference on the impact to the sticker price for Renault models sold in Australia has gone from $5000 for Euro-sourced product to around $2000, according to Koenig.

2010 model schedule
> Clio RS Cup 200 and Clio RS Cup 200 Trophee - AVAILABLE NOW
> 2010 Koleos - MAY
> Trafic; Kangoo - JULY
> Megane CC; Megane RS 250 - SEPTEMBER
> Fluence; Megane sedan - NOVEMBER

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