Renault is set to drop five models from its line-up in the UK, including the entire Laguna range and relatively new Wind Roadster model.
Along with the Laguna Coupe, Sports Tourer, Hatchback and Wind Roadster; the Kangoo and Kangoo Compact Van, Espace, Grand Espace, Modus and Grand Modus will also be removed from the UK range.
The models will all cease to be part of Renault’s line-up in February 2012. It’s part of the company’s drive to improve profitability. It will also cut down its rental and motability sales in order to further improve its margins as well.
With the reduction in models, Renault expects yearly sales to fall to around 51,000. This is a big drop compared to the total of 75,540 it expects to sell during 2011.
This cut will leave just the Clio, Twingo, Megane and Scenic ranges available for UK customers. The manufacturer also announced that it will be cutting its dealer network from 190 to around 135.
It’s not all bad news, however. Over the next year the company will be introducing a number of new models as well as some significant new versions of existing models.
The new model offensive will begin in January 2012, with the revised Twingo. March brings the first electric model with the Twizy model, while the Fluence Z.E model follows in May. The plug-in Zoe arrives in October, closely followed by the all-new Clio in November.
Finally, the manufacturer will also be launching the Dacia brand in the UK in December 2012, starting with the Duster off-roader and Sandero hatchback.
Renault has also confirmed a new sales offer, called Renault 4+. This will include a four years/100,000 mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles servicing packages, four years finance and four years worth of breakdown assistance.
