9th March 2010 LAST FEW DAYS OF SCRAPPAGE...
GOVERNMENT CAR SCRAPPAGE INCENTIVE SCHEME
Chancellor Alistair Darling has announced the introduction of a Car Scrappage Scheme as part of the April 2009 Budget. Motorists are being offered £2,000 towards a new car or van if they trade in their 10 year old or older vehicle for scrap.
The Government has set aside £300m towards the scheme which will be matched by participating car manufacturers.
• The scheme starts in mid-May 2009 and runs until March 2010 or until the Government funding has been used, whichever is sooner.
• The scheme is open to new cars or commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes
• To be eligible, the vehicle you scrap must have been first registered on or before 31 July 1999.
• To benefit from this scheme, a buyer must have been the registered keeper of the car that is due to be scrapped for at least 12 months and the vehicle must have a current MOT certificate.
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2nd March 2010
RENAULT UNVEIL `WIND` AT GENEVA

In a World Première at the Geneva Motor Show on 2 March, Renault unveiled its brand-new coupé-roadster – Wind.
Wind is a two-seater coupé-roadster of 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. With its novel electric roof that pivots open in just 12 seconds, Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy open top motoring.
Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.
Although Wind’s compact dimensions make it a nimble machine in and about town, it is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof.
True to Renault`s brand signature "Drive the Change", Wind makes passion affordable for everyone.
Further details will be provided closer to its UK launch. Please contact our Renault Sales Team to register for updates.
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2nd March 2010
RENAULT AT GENEVA 2010: FUN IS BACK ON THE MENU

As a champion and pioneer of the principle of sustainable mobility for all, Renault sees the automobile as a means for mankind to progress. In keeping with this ambition, the brand sees the Geneva Motor Show as a chance to revive the tradition of affordable cars that place the emphasis on motoring enjoyment thanks to a combination of exciting styling, performance and innovation.
At Geneva, Renault premieres two new convertible models: New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet and Wind.
The former is the Renault’s fourth consecutive C-segment cabriolet. Its arresting looks combine the elegance of a coupé with the promise of the pleasure that goes hand-in-hand with open-top motoring. Meanwhile, Wind gives a completely new take in the world of compact roadsters. It is an inventive, fun-to-drive coupé-roadster that lends itself perfectly to everyday motoring.
The addition of GT and GT Line versions to the Mégane line-up provides the model`s range with even racier, more distinctive appeal thanks to a mix of striking looks and a sporty interior, combined with a carefully-tuned chassis and a range of responsive powerplants.
Another exciting development is the extension of the Gordini `French Touch` treatment to Clio. The smart blue livery and famous white racing stripes are now available for two Renault hot hatches, namely Twingo Gordini 133 and Clio Gordini 200.

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2nd March 2010
RENAULT LAUNCHES SPORTY NEW CLIO ‘S’

- New Clio ‘S’ designed to give sport-look and accessible style with affordable prices and frugal engines
- Clio S range priced from £11,209 to £13,458 on-the-road
- Available to order now and in showrooms from March
While its flagship Renaultsport models continue to raise the hot hatch bar and obliterate their rivals in equal measure, Renault is also seeking to bring the sporty look and feel to the core Clio range with the launch of a new ‘S’ version.
Resurrecting the successful Clio S formula from the early 90s, the new three-door versions hark back to the original through their trademark white 16-inch ‘Polar’ alloy wheels. Among the other cosmetic changes, are a white front bumper insert and white ‘GT’ rear spoiler, while to the sides and roof, some optional slightly less subtle white racing stripes catch the eye with an ‘S’ incorporated into each band. Completing the package, are extra tinted rear windows and tailgate for a truly contemporary look.
The sporty theme continues on the inside, with a bespoke interior including ‘S’ embossed upholstery, leather steering wheel and striking white centre console, dashboard inserts and instrument dials.
The new entrants are based on the Expression specification, currently only available on five-door. They come with a choice of three responsive and frugal engines, 1.2 16V 75, 1.2 TCe 100 and 1.5 dCi 86, all of which meet Renault’s eco2 criteria.
Pricing for the new Clio S versions starts at £11,209 on-the-road for the 1.2 16V 75, rising to £13,458 for the 1.5 dCi 86 A/C. Buyers have a choice of four colours for the latest addition to Renault’s ever-popular supermini range: Glacier White, Pearl Black, Capsicum Red and Extreme Blue.
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15th September 2009
RENAULT’S FOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CONCEPTS SHOCK FRANKFURT

Renault generated quite a buzz at the opening of the 2009 Frankfurt motor show,with the unveiling of an unprecedented four electric vehicle concepts, as well as releasing further details on the future infrastructure and technology behind them.
All Renault’s concept cars on show in Germany previewed its electric vehicle range which will be released from 2011 and cater for a wide variety of different customers and uses.
In summary, the Renault electric vehicle highlights for the show are:
- Twizy Z.E. Concept: pearlescent white ultra-compact and nimble 1+1 zero-emission city car, with 15kW motor (20hp) and footprint barely larger than a scooter (2.3m long, 1.13m wide and turning circle of 3m). It has a top speed of 47mph, with acceleration comparable to 125cc motorbike
- Zoe Z.E. Concept: compact, four-seat supermini for short daily journeys in urban areas. Scissor doors at the front and butterfly doors at the rear, with polyurethane gel for front and rear of car to underline its hi-tech feel and protect components against minor knocks in town. Features 70kW motor for 100 mile range, 21” alloy wheels and retractable rear spoiler for greater aerodynamic efficiency. Comes complete with personalisable avatar for driving information, mood lighting and futuristic `hydrate, detox and active scent` climate control
- Fluence Z.E. Concept: electric version of all-new, elegant five-seat Fluence saloon with range of 100 miles for family driving, ahead of production for Israeli market with Project Better Place. Boasts low-rolling resistance Michelin tyres and Samsung Jet phones
- Kangoo Z.E. Concept: previews electric van for fleet and commercial use with 70kW electric motor, solar roof panels and even a heated steering wheel
- ‘Quickdrop’: three distinct vehicle charging methods, of which this is one. Rapid exchange stations replace batteries within three minutes
In line with the values championed by the Renault brand, its electric vehicles will offer customers a spacious interior, comfort, quality and safety. They will also feature a distinctive design signature.
Electric vehicles represent the clean-break solution which can put zero-emission mobility within everyone`s reach. In line with the brand`s Renault eco² environmental policy, Renault Z.E. electric vehicles are poised to be marketed on a large scale to take a decisive stand on the environment.
Renault begins marketing affordable production electric vehicles in 2011, with the Renault-Nissan Alliance targeting number one status mass-market zero-emission vehicle sales.
Twizy Z.E. Concept is an innovative response to the challenge of urban mobility. With its four-wheel chassis, it offers the driver and passenger, seated in tandem, an all-electric means of transport which produces no CO2 emissions. Compact, nimble and practical, it offers everything needed to cope with city traffic.
Wraparound bodywork creates a safe, reassuring cocoon which offers first-class protection for both driver and passenger. Power comes from a 15kW electric motor which develops 70Nm of torque, making Twizy Z.E. Concept versatile and easy to drive. Acceleration in urban and suburban traffic is comparable to that of a 125cc motorbike.
The second showcar, Zoe Z.E. Concept, is evidence that an all-electric zero-emission vehicle can also boast smart, appealing looks. Its special roof optimises the management of the climate control system to ensure extended range, while the ambience inside the cabin can be customised. Over and above its traditional role, the climate control system breaks new ground thanks to its `hydrating`, `detox` and `active scent` functions which combine to enhance travel. Zoe Z.E. Concept is a compact, versatile car for daily use, which represents a new form of transport thanks to the option of three battery-charging techniques.
The third all-new´concept at Frankfurt, Fluence Z.E. Concept, is a statement of Renault`s intent to produce a range of zero-emission vehicles that meets the needs of all types of motorists. A genuine four-door family car with attractive styling, comfort and space, it proves that such features can go hand in hand with respect for the environment.
Fluence Z.E. Concept is an all-electric car with a range of 100 miles. The battery can be charged using one of three methods: a standard charge (between four and eight hours), a quick charge (20 minutes) or an immediate solution (three minutes) which takes the form of the exclusive `Quickdrop` rapid battery exchange system. The saloon concept previews the forthcoming electric version of Fluence and represents a solution to zero-emission motoring in the world of tomorrow.
Kangoo Z.E. Concept is based on the Kangoo and brings zero-emission mobility to the professional road-user. Powered by a 70kW electric motor, delivering 226Nm of torque, in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery, its energy consumption is minimised thanks not only to the careful attention that has been paid to its overall design, but also to energy optimisation, without impacting the high standard of comfort. Kangoo Z.E. Concept`s many information functions make it a particularly user-friendly, efficient and interactive vehicle.
In addition to the four concept cars on show, Renault also chose Frankfurt to unveil its exclusive `Quickdrop` battery exchange system, as well as further details on the two other battery power solutions.
There will be three options to re-fuel Renault’s zero-emission vehicles:
- Standard charge: takes between four and eight hours, via a charging socket situated on the outside of the vehicle.
- Quick charge: in 20 minutes, using the same socket at specific charging points.
- `Quickdrop` system: three minutes at a rapid battery exchange station.
Range optimisation is the greatest challenge for electric vehicles. This is why Renault is working hard to make the process as simple and efficient as possible by planning for all types of charging needs and methods.
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Trevor Thorne of Hillbans (left) takes delivery of four new Renault Kangoo vans from Harwoods Sales Director Paul Hunt.