Renault South Africa reports that local sales of their Renault Sport (RS) models have earned them third spot in the French marquees Asia-Africa Region. While Japan took line honors, runner-up, Australia, outsold Renault SA by just 15 units.
According to Wayne van der Merwe, Senior Product Manager at Renault SA, sales of Renault Sport declined during the global economic meltdown in 2009 but showed a steady recovery during 2010 and into 2011. Sales of the Renault Sport model mix up to end-August 2011 accounted for approximately 13% of sales across the MÈgane, Clio and Twingo RS ranges.
Sales of Renault MÈgane RS models (hatchback and coupÈ) accounted for 13% overall the MÈgane product mix, Clio RS models made up 12% of Clio sales while Twingo RS outperformed its RS siblings and comprised a sizeable 16% of total Twingo sales.
While RS models are available throughout our dealer network countrywide, we currently have four specialist Renault Sport dealers located around the Johannesburg area. The four dealers are The Glen Renault (south), Clearwater Renault (west), East Rand Renault (east) and Bryanston Renault (north). Each has a dedicated Renault Sport corner showcasing our RS range and offer customers specialized sales and after-sales support, explains van der Merwe.
During 2010, these four dealerships accounted for 18% of sales overall of Renault vehicles and 28% of Renault Sport model sales while for the period January to June 2011, the four specialist dealers brought in 16% of total Renault car sales and 27% of Renault Sport model sales.
Renault Sport customers benefit from Renaults comprehensive Advanced Driver Training course which comes standard with every purchase of a new Renault Sport model.
With the transfer of racing technology to our production cars, there is a real need and responsibility to equip drivers with the necessary skills to drive and handle these high performance vehicles, he concludes. Renault is committed to responsible and safe driving which is why we offer Advanced Driver Training to our Renault Sport customers at no cost.
