RENAULT has announced its 2017 plan and bold ambitions for expansion into the Middle East. Renault showcased the various new models that will be available in the region soon. With 11 new vehicles to be launched in the next three years, the French firm is aiming to sell 75,000 vehicles. Renault argues that the region remains a priority market worldwide and wants to triple its market share to 3% by 2017. Renault's offensive launched 2 years ago and has already started to show impressive results, with sales up by 72% in GCC and up by 46% in the region as a whole. Driven by outstanding organic growth, Renault is now the fastest growing generalist car brand. Speaking at the event, Peyman Kargar, Vice-President for the Africa Middle East India Region, said: “the Middle East is a key region for Renault. We have built an ambitious three-step growth plan for the coming years to gradually go from 3% market share and beyond. 2015 will demonstrate Renault's acceleration and shows the path for the future.” With a line-up focusing on four main assets: seductive design embodied by the recently launched Captur, affordability of entry level models like the popular Duster, the passion for motorsport vehicles such as Clio R.S and innovation through Electric Vehicle solution. At the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit, Renault unveiled some of the new models that will be available in the region soon. Hakim Boutehra, Renault Middle East Managing Director, said: “We are confident in our 2017 ambitions for the Middle East Region with brand new models meeting market needs. As a first step in the plan, the recently launched Captur has made a promising debut in the UAE and KSA”. He added: “Renault partners will continue to make major investments to enhance the network and cover the territory better. By 2016, all Renault showrooms will bear the colours of Renault Store concepts to offer high-end customer service”. With a 10.5% segment share in 2014 and a growth of 73% vs. 2013, Renault Duster is proving popular in the GCC. In 2015, Renault continued its offensive in the SUV-S segment with the introduction of the brand new Duster phase 2. As the first European model sold in the GCC, the new Renault Duster can count on its new exterior design and enhanced features (beige interior, touchscreen navigation, cruise control etc) to continue to entice more and more families looking for an affordable yet fully-equipped SUV with a robust design. Renault is making a comeback in the booming B segment with Renault Symbol, a status-enhancing yet affordable family sedan. Its modern design and attractive equipment package, combined with its roominess and low fuel consumption make the New Renault Symbol the perfect sedan for families looking for value for money along with status and style. LCV leader in Europe for the last ten years, Renault is bringing its expertise to the Middle East with the New Dokker Van. With comfort worthy of a passenger car, and a modularity catering for a wide range of professional needs, the Renault Dokker Van is the perfect van for SMEs to large companies, seeking an affordable, reliable and practical business companion. New 100% Electric Vehicle Zoe, the spearhead of Renault's Z.E. range, is the brand's first fully-electric car. It is ideal for daily urban journeys and embodies Renault's excellence in electric technology. The mobility-enhancing model features the most advanced technology in terms of range and user friendliness. It is a key symbol of the Group's commitment to the electric revolution. The new Renault Clio R.S., the last model from the brand's hot hatch tradition, is hitting roads in the Middle East. Using a turbo engine delivering 200 hp combined with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with steering wheel paddle shifters for the first time, the Renault Clio R.S. sports a distinctive and dynamic design highlighted by its Formula 1 strip on the front bumper, the rear diffuser with twin exhaust and the special 17” and 18” wheel rims. Packed with technology and fun with its three driving modes and R.S. monitor, the New Clio R.S. immerses you in the exciting world of motor racing. The latest offensive of Renault in the SUV-S segment is now available in the GCC, already showing promising sales results. In a booming SUV-S segment (+26% in 2014 vs. 2013 in the GCC), Renault Captur brings uniqueness through its modern SUV look associated to its extended interior & exterior customization program, allowing customers to choose among 10 two-tone body colors & matching interior colors. Along with high-level practicality worthy of an MPV (Removable upholstery, Easy Life drawer, multi-position boot floor, sliding rear bench…) and the dynamism of a hatch thanks to its Tce turbo engine matched with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, new Renault Captur offers the best of three segments to demanding customers who do not want to compromise between design, roominess and efficiency. In 2014 Renault recorded a strong sales performance in the GCC and the Levant selling 23,650 vehicles; a 39% increase compared with 2013. KSA, a priority market, witnessed an extremely remarkable performance of 63% on a market up by 11.8%. In the United Arab Emirates, sales were enhanced by 39% in Dubai. Renault Duster and Fluence remained the best-selling European models in both KSA and UAE. — SG
