Renault is axing a number of vehicles in its range and introducing some new models, in an attempt to increase sales and profitability. Renault leasing is not proving to be very popular amongst our clients and total sales this year are expected to be between 70,000 and 80,000; less than 2010.

There are five models to be axed, amongst them the Espace and Laguna, the five only represent 10% of Renault ’s UK sales, so it seems to make a lot of sense to get rid of them. The range will in future be the Clio Supermini, Twingo, Megane and Scenic. Although Renault contract car is far from our bestselling line, it does have its following and that is because they look great, in particular the Megane that turns heads wherever it goes.

As from February 2012 Renault models will be sold with a four year warranty and roadside assistance, up to 100,000 miles, and an attractive servicing package. We feel this is going to increase the number of clients looking to lease a Renault , because there are clients who want a four year contract hire term but don’t want to have the vehicle without warranty cover in the last year.

Warranties in general are getting longer, as they quite rightly should; if a car goes wrong in its fourth year why should the purchaser, having laid out a substantial capital sum in order to purchase the car, have to spend their own money getting it repaired? This is particularly important now that cars are far more reliable mechanically but are becoming increasingly complicated electronically; electronic faults can be extremely difficult to cure.

We hope this change of strategy is going to have a positive impact on our Renault leasing sales.