Renault continues it's expansion in the UK with the return, after 3 years, a dealership in Aberdeen, Scotland.

• New John Clark dealership sees Renault once again represented in Aberdeen
• First Renault Group dealership opened by the John Clark automotive group
• Opening continues the rapid growth of the Renault Group UK dealer network
• Establishment of new dealership supports Renault Group UK’s GO5+ strategy for sustainable growth

After a three-year absence from Aberdeen, Renault is now once again represented in the city with the opening of a new dealership by the John Clark automotive group.

Located on Abbotswell Road and launched under the Specialist Cars arm of John Clark, the development of the dealership also ensures that the value-driven Dacia brand has a presence in Aberdeen for the very first time. The impressive site is also the first Renault Group franchise to be opened by John Clark in the renowned group’s 37-year history.

John Clark has invested over £150,000 in refurbishing the site, transforming the 13-car showroom with the cutting-edge Renault Store showroom concept that works to bring a new dimension to visitors’ car buying experiences through interactive and engaging features, such as a virtual car configurator and the iPad-equipped Brand Bar. New and existing Renault and Dacia owners also benefit from an advanced 17-bay workshop, which includes dedicated bays for MOT testing and wheel alignment and is manned by expert, manufacturer-trained technicians.

The opening of the dealership has created 28 jobs and sees John Clark strengthen its product portfolio for the Aberdeen customer base. Having considered several manufacturer franchises, John Clark opted for that offered by the Renault Group due in part to it being seen as the best fit for the locality and the customer loyalty that the Renault brand has historically enjoyed.

John Clark is the latest in an ever-increasing list of automotive groups who have chosen to invest in the Renault Group franchise, making it the fastest-growing automotive franchise in the UK. The rapid growth is set to continue throughout 2016 with the appointment of a further 15 dealerships, the increase of the dealer network playing a pivotal role in achieving the targets for sustainable growth that Renault Group UK has set out in its GO5+ strategy – the carmaker’s plan that aims to significantly enhance market share and brand perception by 2017.

Chris Clark, Director of John Clark, said: “The addition of Renault and Dacia to our portfolio allows us to cover areas of the market that we do not currently represent. With Dacia vehicles starting from only £5,995, this brand in particular presents us with a true opportunity to target car buyers that have yet to experience John Clark.

“Our decision to invest in the Renault Group franchise was influenced by a number of factors, including the significant growth in market share its vehicles have achieved over the last three years and the strength of its product ranges.”

Clark continued: “Establishing the dealership has been an excellent experience. We have found the manufacturer’s franchise team to be very dedicated and passionate, their expertise having enabled us to launch the business in record time and making the transition to representing a new franchise exceptionally easy.”

Darren Payne, Sales Director, Renault Group UK, said: “With John Clark already enjoying a sizeable presence across Scotland and having established an excellent reputation over the best part of 40 years, we’re delighted to welcome such a valuable addition to our dealer network.

“Renault Group has been without representation in Aberdeen for some time and with its immense experience and customer focus, John Clark is the perfect investor to firmly re-establish Renault in the city and introduce the region’s car buyers to the great value of Dacia.”  

Renault Group enjoyed another year of growth in the UK in 2015 with full-year sales significantly up and outpacing a growing market across its Renault, LCV and Dacia brands. Renault Group UK sales for 2015 were up 17.4 per cent on 2014 to 127,343 vehicles, significantly outpacing the UK car market, which rose by 7.4 per cent. Renault car sales represented 75,618 vehicles (up 14 per cent YTD), Renault van sales were 25,458 (up 40 per cent YTD, more than double that of the UK van market growth of 15.5 per cent YTD) and Dacia car sales represented 26,228 vehicles (up 10 per cent YTD).