Time for Renaultsport 'only' dealers?

[R20 CWH]

Im sure RUK have most of their UK wide network selling RS models, but given the somewhat inept performance of various sales teams and apparent lack of knowledge with warranty items (ie recaros off the R27) and some of the servicing, would it not be a good time to consider independant renault sport only dealerships?

I think this could be benefit to the large RS community and provide a better pre and post sales experience?

I suppose the biggest negative would be the cost of the dealerships, but it would enhance the ownership experience tenfold.

Anyone feel this is valid or utter pap?

 

[Russ_16v]

Agreed mate!

Would be so much better, though then they would be competeing with the independants (Rentech, Ktec etc)

 

[Fletcher]

About time TBH.

The amount of Renault salesmen i've had the misfortune of meeting that know little of nothing about the RS models they're trying to sell is worrying!

 

[jimbo666]

I agree with recognised specialist dealerships. I would be good to see even the best of the existing dealership have certain strict criteria that need to be met to be able to carry a RenaultSport specialist dealer recognition.

 

[Naith]

said it for years, like renault will listen though?

when it would get them so much kudos and income..

 

[midder]

thats a really good idea.....doubt it will happen though

 

[jimbo666]

I have heard its something they are looking into.

 

[Dash]

This idea may have been suggested HERE either way it's an interesting idea. There must be quite a few RS enthusiasts working in the regular dealers who would jump at the chance.

 

[oliver.james]

While looking for a 172 cup or 182 the past couple of weeks, I was shocked at how little some Renault dealers knew about them!

Perhaps RS specialists within existing dealerships would be an improvement and more workable too!

 

[Tom]

RS specialists would be a possible idea, RS only is NEVER going to happen.

 

[Dash]

There was once a scheme called Premier centres or something like that who cared better for a few top models in the range.

 

[.Ben.]

Imagine having a VX220 Turbo and going to a Vauxhall dealer only for them to say "What's that?"

Worrying...

 

[The Chubby Pirate]

Tbh, does anyone think for a minute that Renault would spend any more money than is essentially necessary on somthing that would probably work just aswell as the normal renault garage, i dont

 

[Yellow Dave]

RS only dealsers will never happen, too much cost and the market simply isn't big enough to warrant an independent dealership IMO.

RS specialists within a dealership is more than likely the best bet. A dealer I've used had a salesman trained in the full RS range but he still dealt with normal customers so sometimes had to wait quite a while or deal with another non RS salesman.

 

[RexinaTrophy]

Approximately 50% of Renaultsport's output ends up in the UK. We are clearly their largest market. But does that mean we deserve specialist retailers?

Not really; the investment required to supply cheap hot hatches around the UK whilst by-passing the already established main dealer network would be commerical suicide.

What would be good though is a Renaultsport specialist in each REA dealership who has been given extensive product training.

A car manufacturer should never allow a customer to walk into a showroom and know more about the product than the sales people.

 

[RexinaTrophy]

Imagine having a VX220 Turbo and going to a Vauxhall dealer only for them to say "What's that?"

Worrying...

An Elise :rasp:

 

[olddan]

Why not just provide extra training on specific models?

 

[Dash]

Found it

 

[Tav]

I don't think there would be enough money in having a Renault Sport only dealership. Perhaps appointed staff/sections within selected dealerships would be more financially viable.

 

[Beef-Mc]

Don't forget RS mechanics, had many people have been told that the timing belt is 72K regardless of age etc.

 

[Fabian]

in germany we have something like Renault sport only dealership, they are normal dealers but they are specialised for the RS models, that means they must have the knowledge of the models and also of their faults problems etc.

Renault germany listed the dealers by name and town so you can see where to go if you have problems with your RS.

also they are going to sort the other dealers out so they deliver the RS models only to the specific dealers, maybe in a few years we have Renault Sport only dealership ans im glad to be one of them :rasp:

maybe this comes in the Uk too

 

[R-Sport.]

RS only dealsers will never happen, too much cost and the market simply isn't big enough to warrant an independent dealership IMO.

RS specialists within a dealership is more than likely the best bet. A dealer I've used had a salesman trained in the full RS range but he still dealt with normal customers so sometimes had to wait quite a while or deal with another non RS salesman.

Renault Sport ONLY never again happen im 99% sure -

Masters of Shirley ( Westwickham) used to do RS only & they shut down & was taken over by a Suburu dealer- although im not sure if they have bought it back-

The best bet is RS parts of main dealers- There may actually be someone helpful then-

S

 

[DrR]

Not arsed, i'll use Birchdown.

 

[Fletcher]

Not arsed, i'll use Birchdown.

Do Birchdown sell RS models then?

 

[DrR]

No but why would i care who sells it? They would all come from the same place TBH

 

[R20 CWH]

they should have dedicated RS only sections then, i reckon there is enough demand, sure we outsell the french with the RS models.

It also amazes me how many different prices and information are made available for servicing. Time for that to be reviewed imo.

Ie the infamous 72k/ 5 year cambelt change, obviously every franchise is different, but the wide range of prices is unreal.

 

[Fletcher]

No but why would i care who sells it? They would all come from the same place TBH

Well it would be nice to speak to a sales person that knew the product, and a dealership that had a showroom full of RS models not bog standard clios, modus, scenic etc.

 

[simb06]

they should have dedicated RS only sections then, i reckon there is enough demand, sure we outsell the french with the RS models.

It also amazes me how many different prices and information are made available for servicing. Time for that to be reviewed imo.

Ie the infamous 72k/ 5 year cambelt change, obviously every franchise is different, but the wide range of prices is unreal.

It will never happen, the reason being people will not want to pay main dealer prices for it... why take your cambelt to be done at a main dealer rs specialist, when you could go to birchdown and get it done at half the price?

Tbh there is no need for an rs specialist, especially where i work, most of us in the workshop have owned RS models, and were all clued up on them, and if there is ever a problem that we can't get our heads round a quick phonecall to Renault usually solves it.

I don't understand the deal with the 72k/ 5year cambelt change issue, everyone has a service book and it says in there.

 

[AlexS]

and apparent lack of knowledge with warranty items (ie recaros off the R27)

Please enlighten me, having just put a claim through for a Recaro seat base on a R27 I can assure you it has been absolute ballache and has taken 2-3 weeks to get authorised, including sending photos and costings to Renault UK/ warranty.
Technically fraying to the seat cover would be deemed wear and tear unless of couse it can be shown to be a manufacturing defect.
There is no way in any instance a seat cover would be changed automatically under warranty, you have to look on it from the dealers perspective, if the claim gets rejected then they are responsible, hence in grey areas such as these the correct procedures need to be followed.
Renault UK customer services are ace by the way.

 

[steviet]

Maybe only certain renault dealers should be 'allowed' to sell the RS range, once theyve proven expertise/ been trained.... kinda like the fiat/ abarth thing..........

 

[Yellow Dave]

Another problem being that the majority of RS owners use independent specialists for services and parts. Would they start using Renault if they provided RS specialist mechanics/ parts etc? Probably not at dealer prices so they wouldn't really gain much.

 

[Englebert]

They just don't sell enough. It's a shame, but out of all hot hatches the Clio must be nearly at the bottom of the sales range. I see far more Civic Type Rs, Leons etc.

 

[Gambler]

Not arsed, i'll use Birchdown.

Same here.

 

[Gambler]

Do Birchdown sell RS models then?

Who needs dealers I bought mine pre-registered 6 years ago off the net. Knew exactly what I wanted and saved about £4K.

 

[EdV6220]

That would be cool, at least then I wouldn't get asked if my car is petrol or diesel

 

[Pete.]

I remember when we had a Renault dealer in Southampton, not a hope in hell of getting an RS Specialist

 

[bradharding24]

Renault has just lost a HUGE amount of money, i doubt expansion will be on their minds for the next 10 years or so.

 

[Ralphizzle]

What Fabian said!

In Holland there's this premier Renault dealer...
Carrying all the RS models next to the common ones.

Went to see the R26.R at time and got invited to test-drive the Twingo RS.

But Renault Sport only... ain't gonna happen, why run the risk as dealer?
Renault Sports are special kind of cars, they won't sell like hot cakes.

 

[Ian_182]

They dont sell nearly enough models a year to warrant it...Even ford who utsell them by 100-1 probably,dont do this..

 

[Munson]

Perhaps one of the very reasons it's a such a niche brand is because the dealer network has a justified reputation for knowing the sum total of f**k all about the cars?

Anyway, it's been discussed before. Not going to happen. Ever.