Renault 'Pro+' hones LCV focus

Renault Australia recently launched its new 'Pro+' network of light commercial vehicle dealers, allowing the brand's LCV customers to benefit from a range of services and knowledge tailored to meet commercial owners' and buyers' needs.

Attached to existing Renault Australia dealerships, outlets have recently opened in Melbourne (Brighton Renault), Adelaide (Main North Renault) and the Gold Coast (Sunshine Renault), with many more set to bolster the line-up in coming months.

Renault Pro+ outlets have a range of LCV demos available, many already sporting custom racking to suit various applications. Other benefits include expert LCV-trained staff, extended service hours, LCV loan vehicles and access to a comprehensive network of Renault-approved body builders and suppliers, putting a wealth of custom fit-out solutions at owners' fingertips.

The introduction of Renault Pro+ is sure to add extra impetus to Renault's current momentum. The French brand experienced across-the-board growth of 42.7 per cent in 2014 compared to the previous year (FCAI VFACTS data), and 34 per cent of that total of 10,014 new registrations can be attributed to its three LCV families: the Kangoo compact LCV (664 units); Trafic medium van (1643 units); and Master large van and cab/chassis (1086 units). In fact, new registrations of Renault LCVs grew by 48 per cent here last year compared with 2013.

There's been plenty of activity in Renault's LCV line-up over the past 18 or so months, with an expansion of the Master range in late 2013 backed up by a revamped Kangoo range last year. More recently, the revised Master received a new engine a couple of months back and the next-generation Trafic went on sale on May 1. Click here to read the launch review of that model.

The Pro+ concept isn't new – it was first introduced around 10 years ago and is now in place in 40 countries around the globe – but, according to Renault Australia Managing Director, Justin Hocevar (pictured), the time was right for a local roll-out.

"There's great strength in that knowledge and expertise [in overseas Pro+ outlets] that we want to bring to Australia," he said, at the recent media launch of the new Trafic.

"It's not just about a brand and a sign, it's about the substance that supports the LCV business – and a big part of that is people and their ability to deliver the services the customer needs.

"For a new customer it's all about being able to provide a complete solution; it's not just saying we can provide you with a van or a light truck. We can identify the needs of your business and we can then talk about a complete solution."

The model will allow customers to inspect and sample customised LCVs ready for a variety of roles.

"Pro+ dealers will have a selection of already converted vehicles to enable the dynamic display of those vehicles to the customer, and that can include things like refrigerated vans, box vans, and vans that have already been fitted out with various types of racking," says Mr Hocevar.

"So the customers can come in and test drive an example of their next tool of trade."

Mr Hocevar says the specialist training of its Pro+ staff is a key aspect to the concept.

"We've had [Renault staff] go over and do all the 'train the trainer' work overseas and we've had overseas experts come down to support us, plus we've had engineering and Renault Tech – the customisation arm of Renault Commercial Vehicles in Europe – come down here and meet all the third-party suppliers," he says.

Those suppliers must meet strict criteria, including having the relevant ISO standards, before they're granted a formal contract to join the Pro+ network.

In addition to the first three Pro+ outlets already in operation, another seven Renault Australia dealerships have signed up to take on the model. Renault Australia says it expects to have eight Pro+ outlets up and running by the end of this year, with double that number in action before the end of 2016.

The outlets will be rolled out across both capital cities and major provincial centres.

One of the strengths of the Pro+ model is that specialist information can be easily shared across the network.

"It's supported by a social media platform, for want of a better expression, but it's a back-end platform that allows the suppliers and the dealers to communicate," says Hocevar.

"So if one of the dealers says, 'I need a racking solution for a certain type of business; has anyone got any experience with that?', they can communicate with suppliers locally, they can communicate with other dealers for advice, and they can also network with other dealers in other English-speaking markets like the UK."

Mr Hocevar says the roll-out of the Renault Australia Pro+ network has been met with very positive feedback from customers, dealers and LCV suppliers alike, and says the model will play a significant role in driving the LCV side of the brand's business forward.