Renault boosts NZ network

Renault is adding six dealers to its national network as the marque prepares for what it is calling its “biggest year” in New Zealand.

The new dealerships are Automarque in Lower Hutt, Waggs Renault in Masterton, Duncan and Ebbett in Tauranga, Hastings Renault, Rosetown Renault in Te Awamutu, and Mark Cromie Renault in Whangarei.

A number of the businesses previously held franchises with Holden, which announced in February it was retiring the brand by the end of 2020.

Renault New Zealand is also eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Duster, with the compact SUV joining the local line-up alongside the brand’s Captur and Koleos models.

The Duster, which is sold in some markets as a Dacia but in ours as a Renault, has a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine making 84kW of power and 156Nm of torque. Fuel economy is claimed at 6.6L/100km, with towing capacity rated at 1400kg.

Sam Waller, general manager for Renault New Zealand, says: “Our first shipment of the new Renault Duster is due to arrive this month and along with the new Duster model, we welcome six new Renault dealers to our national network.

“2020 will be the biggest year for Renault in its New Zealand history. Not only are we welcoming on-board new dealers, but we’ve already launched the New Automatic Trafic, and the New Master, along with off-the-shelf solutions like our refrigerated chiller vans.”