Renault bounces back under Dana Cars dealership
Few years after Alliance Autos walked out of the Nissan and Renault distributorship in Nigeria, the two brands have since been ‘adopted’ by two of the serious players in the market.
Recently, the European automaker Renault announced fresh intention to key into the Federal Government transformation agenda with the aim of overhauling Nigeria to a globally recognised manufacturing hub from an oil dependent economy.
The French automaker gave this hint at the inauguration of the first Renault full-fledged sales, service and spares with its new partner; Dana Cars and Services Limited,” following the re-launch of the Renault brand under its global slogan – ‘Drive the Change’ at a press conference in Lagos.
Renault said this new partnership is committed to a strong representation in Nigeria, a key market that is expected to deliver significant growth and contribution to Renault’s global strategy, while boosting its share of the African market. The core market is Europe, where it is renowned for its role in Motor Sport and Formula 1.
Christel Galbrun, vice president Renault, who gave this hint at the press meet said African automotive market continues to promise sustainable prospects for growth in the coming years with Nigeria charting the course in emerging African markets.
She said: “Renault’s vision in Nigeria is to be people-centric and innovative, offering sustainable automobile facility as well as quality and affordable – easy to maintain cars with improved quality of life for every customer, while keying into the Federal Government agenda.
Also adding that the partnership with Dana Cars and Services would help Renault achieve these objectives and subsequently raise the profile of the brand in Nigeria, the Renault chief said; “Our plan is to immediately increase of our market share through new model introduction, brand development and retail network expansion.”
Among some of models in Nigeria are Latitude executive sedan, Fluence, Duster, Koleos, Sandero-Stepway and Logan.
Joseph Fernandes, vice president, operations, Dana Cars and Services Limited, the new Renault custodian described the inauguration of Renault – ‘Drive the Change’ as the beginning of a purposeful relationship and a commitment towards providing world-class automotive experience to customers in Nigeria.
He said Dana Cars and Services seeks to replicate Renault’s ambitious accomplishments and even surpass it, using time tested integrated sales and marketing approach to position Renault among leading marquees in the local market.
Fernandes said Renault is renowned the world-over as an automobile leader in the Formula 1 area with eleven World Championships.
“This is why we partnered with Renault to introduce superior quality cars that are adaptable to the local weather and road conditions,” Fernandez said.
He explained that the maxim: ‘Renault – Drive the Change’ is an ingenuous branding that meets the demands of customers in emerging markets like Nigeria and would attract new clientele to Renault styling and all-terrain capability, he reassured.
Dana Cars and Services has trained its service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and acquaint them extensively in Renault’s cutting edge and ever changing technology he remarked.
“I therefore reiterate that we have some of the best trained technicians that can handle complex auto repair jobs. Renault and Dana Cars are fully committed to delivering the best European engineered quality cars and services to the customer,” he concluded.
Mike Ochonma