JEDDAH, 9 March 2006 — French carmaker Renault said yesterday that its drive toward internationalization would see its aggressive presence across Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Gulf.
“We’re reinforcing our presence with an extensive range of 16 models covering six categories as against three models before,” Antoine Herteman, Renault’s vice president of commercial coordination for the Middle East, Turkey and Indian Peninsula, said on the sidelines of the launch of Renault Laguna 2006 at the Zahid Tractor showroom.
Two versions of the new Laguna are available across the Kingdom — Hatch and Sportback.
“Both comprise the new upgrade of safety standard set in the D segment in Europe plus the EuroNCAP rating of five stars in safety testing,” he said.
He added that all of Laguna’s active and passive safety features have been improved in the 2006 models, which are now equipped with the third-generation ‘Renault system for restraint and protection’ and a more efficient braking system.
The 2006 models feature new technologies that include the ‘Renault card’ for hands-free engine ignition and the assisted parking brake in addition to the a navigation and communication system.
Retaining the styling benchmark set in its segment, the new car boasts balance and stability.
Its dynamic profile is accentuated with the special design of its rear end and roof rails. The car’s front design has been completely revamped and includes a new one-piece component, which integrates the front bumper and the grille.
The model also introduces a new generation of steering wheels.
With eight models in the Renault range awarded the maximum five-star rating by EuroNCAP, Renault is recognized as being the automotive leader in passive safety, whether small or large cars.
“Fact is Renault is No. 1 in terms of passenger protection in the unwanted but sometimes unavoidable situation resulting from a collision,” Herteman said.
In fact, Renault markets 17 percent of all the automotive models that are the safest on the world’s roads, he added.
In 1999, Renault acquired a minority stake in Nissan and became the de facto reference shareholder of the Japanese company. Within two years, it strengthened its internationalization.
“First we bought Dacia and then acquired the automotive branch of Samsung. At the turn of the century, Renault swiftly overtook some of the world’s major automotive players and matured within a few years into a truly international group,” he said, adding that the Alliance Renault Nissan is currently No. 4 among the automotive groups in the world.
“Zahid Tractor is successful in reviving Renault brand in Saudi Arabia through a program which started five years ago through the offer of several new models,” Zahid Tractor’s Administration Director Wafaa H. Zawawi said.
