The Renault Sport brand is to enjoy a much stronger presence in South Africa with the announcement of two new, special-edition Renault Sport models, as well as a network of specialist Renault Sport dealers.An advanced Renault Sport advanced driving course, and the availability of a catalogue of special Renault Sport parts and accessories, are also included in a comprehensive strategy to bring the excitement and exclusivity of Renault Sport to South African motorists.

“Renault and performance have always been closely associated, and is currently best expressed by the Renault Formula 1 racing programme,” says Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault South Africa.

“Renault Sport allows our customers to share in the advanced technology, dynamic appeal and driving excitement of motorsport in the context of special-edition production cars, an exclusive line of carefully engineered parts and accessories, and even Renault Sport’s special racing vehicles.”

Two models in Renault Sport range

The Renault Sport programme will be spearheaded by two special-edition versions of the Mégane Renault Sport R26, and the Clio Renault Sport.

“To celebrate the return of the Renault F1 Road Show to South Africa, and the launch of our Renault Sport strategy here, we have managed to procure a limited number of Mégane R26 and Clio R27 Special Edition vehicles,” says Gobille.

Launched today, these special editions are based on the current Mégane Renault Sport R26 and Clio Renault Sport models, but feature a number of key differentiating factors.

Special treatment for Renault Sport customers

In addition, Renault SA is establishing a small network of Renault Sport specialist dealers, drawn from its current dealer body. “These dealers will develop a Renault Sport corner in their showroom, and will have specifically trained, dedicated salespersons and technicians to provide expert Renault Sport sales and after-sales service,” Gobille adds.

The six appointed Renault Sport dealers are Route 24 Renault in Germiston, The Glen Renault in Bassonia, Renault Bryanston, Renault Durban, Renault Cape Town, and Auto Xtra Menlyn in Pretoria.

These Renault Sport dealers will offer customers a comprehensive range of Renault Sport accessories and specialised Renault Sport parts, while a dedicated local Renault Sport website, www.renaultsportsa.co.za, will provide customers with access to information.

A Renault Sport advanced driving course, compiled specifically for drivers of Renault Sport vehicles, will be offered to all Mégane Renault Sport and Clio Renault Sport buyers. More details on the course, including venue and frequency, will be confirmed at a later date.

For Renault customers seeking to import and race Renault Sport-manufactured race cars, the good news is that Renault South Africa is willing to actively assist with the procurement and importation of these cars. It’s an exciting line-up that includes the likes of the Renault Mégane Trophy, Clio Cup, Clio R3, and even Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 3.5 racers.

In addition, core Renault SA departments – marketing, sales, service and distribution, for instance – will now include a key specialist focussed specifically on providing Renault Sport-related back-up service and assistance.

“The Renault Sport brand is a strong differentiator which has already done much to add further lustre and appeal to our range of Renault passenger cars.

Renault Sport is popular in South Africa

“South Africa ranked seventh in worldwide sales of Renault Sport vehicles in 2007, ahead of Belgium and Australia, proving just how popular these special vehicles have become in the local market.

“By making the brand and its products more accessible to South African customers, we are hoping to grow the Renault reputation for exciting, dynamic and ultimately satisfying cars even further,” Gobille concluded.

Renault Sport vehicles, parts and race cars are developed and produced by Renault Sport Technologies, a division of the Renault Group created in 2001 as part of Renault’s Strategic Planning, Product Planning and Project Management Division (DPPP).

It specialises in limited-run, sport-based volume production models such as the Megane R26, the Clio Sport and Clio R27, as well as motorsport-targeted racing cars, excluding Formula 1. These include Formula Renault 3.5, Formula Renault 2.0, the Renault Megane Trophy, and the Renault Clio Cup.

Since the introduction of the Formula Renault 2.0 in 2001 in excess of 700 units of the single-seater have been sold for competition racing worldwide,. This makes Renault Sport Technologies the number one manufacturer of competition racing cars.