Renault Wind Gordini - just arrived, now it's gone
In an age when we’re use to car makers extending their ranges on an almost daily basis, Renault are going the opposite way by cutting four models from their range of cars in the UK.
Out will go the Wind Roadster, the Espace, the Modus, the Kangoo and even the car that most would think of as one of Renault’s best selling models – the Laguna. Renault say that all models are unprofitable in the UK, and have been for some time.
The cutbacks in the model range are only affecting the UK, despite bigger falls in sales for Renault in other European countries. But that’s because elsewhere in Europe Renault don’t have the extra cost burden of making RHD cars, which are peculiar to the UK in Europe.
Renault may be slashing its current range in the UK, but that’s not going to stop it pushing ahead with the introduction of its newest electric cars including the Twizy, Zoe and Fluence in the UK in 2012. Which does seem illogical; how on earth do Renault plan on making their electric offerings profitable in the UK when no one is buying electric cars?
But perhaps this is the only way for car makers like Renault to survive? They’re under pressure from premium brands pushing down in to their market place as buyers seek smaller cars and from once bargain basement offerings – like Hyundai and Kia – offering cars that outdo Renault’s current offerings.
The result of these cutbacks in the Renault range will see a culling of the dealer network, with as many as 80 of Renault’s dealerships in the UK shutting up shop.
Joe835 says
“…..RHD cars, which are peculiar to the UK in Europe”
Really? Ever hear of Ireland, Malta and Cyprus?
Cars UK says
You’re right, of course. We should have said ‘Major’ RHD market. But it will mean other small RHD markets will also lose a big chunk of Renault’s range.
Joe835 says
Which is a pity because the Laguna is popular enough in Ireland; although we also get the Fluence diesel, which has taken a lot of its market.