Future models - Renault - UteRenault adds to Pro+ networkGrowing Pro+ dealership network would support Renault ute model7 May 2015 RENAULT'S expanding Pro+ commercial vehicle dealership network will total 16 by the end of next year, creating a tailor-made retail and support network for a diamond-badged ute model, should one eventuate. The Nissan Navara-based Renault pick-up has been chalked for production and has yet to get the green light for Australia, but an burgeoning light-commercial vehicle dealership network in Australia would ease the introduction of the model and increase its profile, according to the car-maker. Potential for one-tonne utes is high in the Australian market, with most manufacturers keen for a piece of the action, but a majority of the attention is currently taken by Toyota's HiLux. A Renault-badged model based on Nissan's fresh Navara would add another European offering to the growing segment alongside Volkswagen's Amarok – a main target for the French brand, as well as Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming ute. Speaking at the launch of its latest commercial vehicle offering – the Trafic – Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the growing network of Pro+ dealerships would accommodate a ute model if it were to come here. “If we introduce other products in other segments then that would obviously be a good platform to support it,” he said. “If you look at what other European brands have got available in the commercial vehicle range, Volkswagen's got three vans and a pick-up. We've got three vans and no pick-up. “That's a strategic competitor globally so it's going to be nice to be able to play in the competitive suite.” Renault started rolling out the Pro+ network in July last year and with one outlet complete and two more nearing completion, the introduction is going smoothly, but Mr Hocevar confirmed it would now expand to more than the 10 originally planned. “By the end of this year we expect to have eight Pro+ dealers operating in five Australian cities, with more than double that number opening by the end of 2016, branching out from capital cities to major provincial centres,” he said. Mr Hocevar explained that the Pro+ model was not simply a matter of putting up new signs, but would establish a new support structure with homologated contracting suppliers, aftermarket retro-fitters and information sharing via a “social” network. “We are building on our current strength of 46 dealers nationally and the Pro+ concept will deliver services tailored to the specific needs of LCV customers. From extended servicing hours, service loan vehicles and a full range of vans and trucks on display at the dealership,” said Mr Hocevar. “The culmination of all those things and the product portfolio we have now is what Pro+ is all about. “The light-commercial vehicle business represents a fantastic opportunity for Renault, and having been number one in Europe for 17 years straight, it's a genuine strength of the group and one we plan to continue to leverage here in Australia.” Read more5th of May 2015 Driven: Renault delivers manual-only TraficRenault says Trafic mid-sized van will continue to grow despite dropping automatic4th of February 2015 Renault bosses confirms ute 'on the radar'Details still under wraps but Renault Australia keen to add ute to local rosterAll future modelsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chery Brabham Chrysler Chevrolet Cupra Citroen DS Dodge Fiat Ferrari Foton Ford Great Wall FPV Haval GWM Honda Holden Hummer HSV Infiniti Hyundai Jaguar Isuzu Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Lexus LDV Mahindra Lotus Mazda Maserati Mercedes-AMG McLaren MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Peugeot Pagani Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Motor industry news |
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