November 15, 2000
with strong Nissan support
As part of its strategy of international development and within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Renault will return in the first half of 2001 to the Australian market with the support of Nissan. In addition, the marketing of Renault vehicles will enable Nissan to extend its product offering and thus attract new customers.
Sales of Renault vehicles will commence in Australia in the first half of 2001. Renault, in agreement with Nissan Australia, has the goal of becoming one of the leading mainstream European brands in the Australian market.
Renault, in firm cooperation with the Nissan Australia Group, will import Renault models and will distribute them mainly through the Nissan dealer network with clear differentiation of the two brands. Renault vehicles will be sold through metropolitan dealers at launch. This network will be gradually developed.
The two brands will be marketed as separate product lines thus retaining their individuality. Details of Renault models for the Australian market will be announced at the forthcoming Melbourne International Motor Show in the coming March.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance has enabled Renault to quickly return to the Australian market with reduced overheads thanks to the support of Nissan's commercial facilities in Australia. Renault's return will also allow the Nissan group to appeal to a wider cross-section of the Australian motoring public with the addition of a completely new product lineup. This co-operative effort will therefore result in gains for both partners.
Renault has been present in Australia from the beginning of the century, including local assembly (more than 70,000 R4, R8, R12 and R16 had been locally assembled up to1981). Renault was the leading make on the European market in 1999 and is currently successfully marketing innovative and high quality products, even creating new market segments with cars such as Scenic.
Through its subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Nissan is solidly established in Australia and has been operating there since 1966. It was the top imported brand in the Australian domestic market in 1999, with a market share of over 6%.
Mr. Daphne, Nissan Australia Managing Director and CEO, said "The next key task is finalization of the national dealer network to ensure adequate location and expertise prior to launch next year. Following today's announcement we have a very clear and workable timetable to our launch." Mr. Daphne continued "I must thank the many Renault owners in Australia for their continuing support. I would like to assure existing Renault owners of our ongoing commitment and look forward to joining them in welcoming the new models to Australia."
Mr.Debrot, Vice President, Renault Asia-Oceania, said: "Renault's return to Australia is a key move in the company's development strategy in a region where much of the future growth in the automobile sector will come from. The Renault-Nissan Alliance provides a solid base for this return. Renault, the leading brand in the European market, has every intention of offering Australians original, high-quality products"