The hot hatch market is about to arrive with the arrival of the new Renault Megane RS280.
Renault will launch a new SUV logo next year. Source: supplied
Renault will eliminate 3 models as you adjust it to declining sales.
The local branch of the French logo will no longer sell the small Clio car or the Zoe electric tailgate in Australia.
Both cars were borrowed on time. Renault has sold less than 900 Clios and five Zoes in 2019. Only 60 Australians have bought the Zoe since it went on sale in 2018.
Renault Zoe was unable to take off in Australia. Source: Supplied
Charly Clercin, director of product manufacturing plans at Renault Australia, says electric cars remain “curiosity in Australia” and that it is difficult to justify the promotion of the vehicle in such small quantities.
Part of the challenge can also be the top access point of the car. Priced around $50,000 before road costs, little Zoe may not compete with reasonable gasoline rivals like the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.
Renault will bring the new Renault Clio to Australia. Source: Supplied
Renault’s withdrawal from the Clio follows the resolution of other brands such as Ford, Hyundai and Honda not to offer a micro tailgate in Australia anymore.
Sales of small passenger cars have fallen off a cliff in years as buyers head to SUVs.
The only traditional passenger car presented through Renault will be the Mégane RS’s favourite hot sedan, which according to the logo will be updated in 2021.
Despite poor performance, Renault has entered the Australian market.
The Korean-made Renault Arkana will upgrade the Kadjar at the brand’s venue in 2021.
Renault Australia’s director Anouk Poelmann says that despite the radical change in the Australian car scene over the past 12 months, Renault is “there in the long term.”
But the logo admits that there have been discussions about its long-term after Holden’s departure.
Renault is now committed to being a logo of SUVs and soft advertising cars because that’s where the expansion is.
It also announced the recently launched Kadjar SUV would make way for the new Korean-sourced Arkana SUV.
The Arkana is a style-oriented SUV. Source: supplied
The logo cited the nearest production amenities and cost savings related to a flexible industry agreement between Australia and South Korea as one of the main reasons for the change.
With a coupe silhouette, the Arkana will face cars such as the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen T-Roc and Kia Seltos, according to Renault.
“The new Arkana is a new generation of SUV for Australia and is destined for a rest segment with its unique design, which combines the comfort of the creature of an SUV with the driving dynamics of the sedans,” Mr. Clercin said.
“The new Arkana will feature five-star technology, comfort and safety. With its exclusive SUV coupe design, it has all the elements to succeed here in Australia.
Renault aims to launch Arkana in part of 2021.
Renault will also launch the new Captur SUV in early 2021, with the logo intended for an access point of less than $30,000. Renault will also update its intermediate Koleos SUV in 2021.