Wednesday 31 October 2012

JOHN SKELLY FISH LTD HOOK THEIR SECOND RENAULT TRAFIC VAN FROM MITCHELLS LOWESTOFT

 
 
  

A local fish business has taken delivery of their second Trafic van from Mitchells Lowestoft after racking up an impressive 271,000 miles.

 

John Skelly Fish Ltd, based in Lowestoft, was established 12 years ago trading all over Norfolk and South Suffolk. For the past seven years, the husband and wife team of John and Jennifer Skelly have been using a Renault Trafic van bought new from Mitchells in 2005. Since then, it’s done about 800 miles a week and now boasts an incredible mileage of more than a quarter of a million – 271,705 to be precise.

 

John, who collected his new, liveried and refrigerated van from Mitchells this week, said: “We have been very impressed with our faithful Renault Trafic van which is a familiar sight on the area’s roads, but it’s time to trade it in for a newer model.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Andy Duffield, sales manager at Mitchells Renault, added: “It’s always a pleasure to deal with a business customer like John who gets such value-for-money out of their vehicle. We’ve been discussing a replacement for a while, and when he told me the mileage of his current van, I had to double check that he wasn’t talking about kilometres!  He has done a fantastic mileage in the van – enough, in fact, to take you around the circumference of the earth more than 10 times. It’s a great tribute to the strength and durability of Renault’s van offering.”

 

For more information, visit Mitchells on Long Road, Lowestoft (01502 500950) or click onto www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

 

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1.    John Skelly from John Skelly Fish pictured with Andy Duffield from Mitchells Renault in Lowestoft and the new Trafic Van.

2.    The odometer reading from John Skelly’s former fish van.


Monday 29 October 2012

HYLTON CHELTENHAM RENAULT HOSTS ELECTRIFYING DRIVING EVENT



 

HYLTON CHELTENHAM RENAULT HOSTS ELECTRIFYING DRIVING EVENT AT @BRISTOL

 

The @Bristol Science centre played host to a driving event with a difference this weekend when Hylton Cheltenham  were among  Renault dealers showcasing the thrill of electric vehicles.

 

The event was organised as part of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive Tour 2012 and allowed local motorists to drive the head-turning Twizy, Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. saloon while admiring the forthcoming ZOE model.

 

Renault’s geodesic dome was a welcome point and allowed visitors to find out more about battery range, charging times, pricing and Plugged-In Places infrastructure.

 

The dome also allowed visitors to create an “alter eco” in a green challenge which showed the impact of switching to an electric vehicle on their wallets and on the environment.

 

Motorists were able to put the range through its paces on a Twizy agility course which showed just how well the Twizy copes with the tight bends and chicanes of the urban environment.

 

Tim Betambeau, Franchise Manager at Hylton Renault Cheltenham and Worcester, said: “We had massive interest in all of the range over the weekend and we were able to answer questions on running costs, the environmental benefits and Renault’s unique battery leasing.”

 

For more information on Renault’s Z.E. range, visit Hylton Cheltenham on Manor Road, Cheltenham (01242 222400) or click onto www.hylton.co.uk

 

 

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Robert Deamer from Hylton Cheltenham Dealership and Andy McCabe (Renault Brand Manager RCI) pictured with the Twizy at the @Bristol leg of the Z.E. Tour.


 

 

 

Mitchells Renault raises £250 for Breast Cancer Care


MITCHELLS RENAULT RAISES £250 BY GOING PINK FOR BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN

 

Lowestoft Renault dealer Mitchells has raised £250 for Breast Cancer Care by inviting customers to visit the Long Road dealership dressed in pink.

 

Staff also dressed in pink and sold pink cakes for Breast Cancer Care’s “Pink Fridays” campaign which raises funds for breast cancer sufferers.

 

Dealer Principal Matthew Huke-Jenner said: “Thank you to our staff who made such an effort to dress in pink on the day, and also for baking cakes. Everyone really got into the spirit of the event and we’re so grateful to those loyal customers who made a special effort to come down to the dealership to make a donation. We raised £250 and we’re thrilled that it’s all for such a worthwhile cause.”

 

For more details, visit Mitchells on Long Road, Lowestoft (01502 500950) or click onto www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

 

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Pic caption: Mitchells Renault staff dress in pink for Breast Cancer Care. Pictured front, from left: Matthew Huke-Jenner, Dealer Principal; Sharon Graystone-Sales Admin; Alison Dale, Accounts Admin;  Rita High, Accounts Manager and Mary Armstrong, Service Reception.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

THE MOST AFFORDABLE CAR IN THE UK IS COMING TO OXFORDSHIRE!



The Dacia Sandero has just created automotive history with a car priced so competitively, from just £5,995, that it’s making people look twice.

 

As part of the Dacia brand, the new Sandero supermini is the UK’s most affordable new car.  The last time a car entered the market at around this price, it was 1989.

 

Ordering for the Dacia Sandero has just opened, hot on the heels of the Sandero’s bigger sibling the Dacia Duster SUV which is available from just £8,995.  Both cars will be delivered in early 2013 from local Dacia dealer Cross Roads.

 

There are three versions of the Dacia Sandero to choose from, starting with the entry-level Access at the incredible price of just £5,995. It has the safety features you’d expect from a car from the Renault stable; ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, ASR traction control, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), driver, passenger and front side airbags and ISOFIX points in both outer rear seats.

 

It comes with a 1.2 16V 75 engine, power assisted steering and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. There’s a practical boot, cloth ‘Element’ upholstery and a smart, modern-look centre console.

 

The mid-level Ambiance includes the above, as well as remote central locking, electric front windows, 2x20W radio CD player with fingertip remote controls, USB and AUX input and Bluetooth connectivity. It also offers chrome touches for the air vent, instrument dial and steering wheel logo surrounds while the range-topping Laureate version offers all of that plus two-tone ‘Atom’ cloth upholstery.

 

The 1.2 16V 75 engine can be upgraded for Ambiance and Laureate versions to a frugal, yet powerful, TCe 90 petrol and dCi 90 diesel engine.

 

Sales manager, Chris Rollason,said: “We are astounded by the fantastic package that is available for such a small price and we’re certain our customers will be too.

 

“As people are looking for a good deal these days, the Dacia Sandero and Duster models offer an extraordinary amount, leading most people to ask ‘how’?  The reason is that Dacia is a no-frills solution to motoring and our models simply contain only the necessary.

 

“There’s no compromise on build quality or technology, and despite not having launched yet in the UK, Dacia has already won awards for quality and reliability.

 

“As a global brand, owned by Renault, it has access to the very best in technology and research and its cars are built to withstand the extremities of climate from Brazil to Russia.  It’s an outstanding package.

 

“It even comes with a 3 years/60,000 miles warranty, with 3 years/60,000 miles free roadside assistance. For peace of mind, 5 year/60,000 miles and 7 year/100,000 miles upgrades are available, costing just £395 and £850.

 

“So whether you’re a parent looking to buy a sturdy, reliable car for a youngster, or you’re a student or simply hard-pressed for cash, come and see us!”

 

For more information, visit Cross Roads Garage, Faringdon Road, Southmoor/Kingston Bagpuize, (01865 820386) or click onto www.crossroadsrenault.co.uk or www.dacia.co.uk ( 0800 991199).

 

Details of other pre-launch activities for both the Duster SUV and Sandero supermini will also be available on twitter @daciauk and www.facebook.com/daciauk.

 

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CITY MOTORS AND SJ COOK AND SONS HOST ELECTRIFYING DRIVING EVENT AT @BRISTOL


The @Bristol Science centre played host to a driving event with a difference this weekend when Renault dealers City Motors and SJ Cook and Sons were among dealers showcasing the thrill of electric vehicles.

The event was organised as part of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive Tour 2012 and allowed local motorists to drive the head-turning Twizy, Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence Z.E. saloon while admiring the forthcoming ZOE model.

Renault’s geodesic dome was a welcome point and allowed visitors to find out more about battery range, charging times, pricing and Plugged-In Places infrastructure.

The dome also allowed visitors to create an “alter eco” in a green challenge which showed the impact of switching to an electric vehicle on their wallets and on the environment.

Motorists were able to put the range through its paces on a Twizy agility course which showed just how well the Twizy copes with the tight bends and chicanes of the urban environment.

Nick Rixton, sales executive from City Motors and SJ Cook and Sons, said: “We had massive interest in all of the range over the weekend and we were able to answer questions on running costs, the environmental benefits and Renault’s unique battery leasing.”


 One of the guests, Evan Ashley from Bristol, who visited with his wife Joyce, said: “I was very impressed with the driving event and am looking forward to test driving the ZOE when it goes on sale next year.”

 

Robert Hazelby, who works nearby and took the opportunity to try out the range, said: “The Twizy was nice and manoeuvrable. It’s great round corners and good fun to drive”.

 

For more information on Renault’s Z.E. range, visit City Motors, Pioneer Park, off Whitby Road (0117 972 3030) or S J Cook and Sons on Station Road, Kingswood, (0117 957 9700) or click onto www.carcogroup.co.uk

 

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1.    City Motors Renault customers Evan and Joyce Ashley from Bristol with the Twizy at the @Bristol Science Centre.

2.    Robert Hazelby pictured with the Twizy at the @Bristol Science Centre.

 

 

BATEMANS BUILDS RELATIONSHIP WITH 30 RENAULT KANGOO VANS FROM HOLDEN

 
 
 
Construction contractor Batemans Groundworks Limited has taken delivery of a new fleet of 30 Renault Kangoo Maxi Crew vans from Holden Renault in Norwich.
 
The Great Yarmouth-based company provides groundwork services and civil engineering services to the new homes and commercial sector and believes that the time is right to invest in an entire fleet of Kangoo Crew Vans.
 
Jason Ramsey, Commercial Director of Bateman Groundworks Ltd said: “The last four years have been the most difficult of the 15 years we have been trading. However, during this period we have learnt a lot of lessons, and utilised this time to develop a strategic five-year plan for growth. A year in, we are seeing encouraging signs, exceeding planned targets and securing multiple long term roads, sewers and new homes sector contracts, thus installing a greater level of confidence within ourselves and the market itself.
 
“We strongly believe that it is those values which we uphold that have enabled us to remain prominent within the home sector of East Anglia, offering a high standard of work within a safe working environment at best value. It was these same values that we looked for when purchasing our fleet of vehicles, and is why we chose the Kangoo Maxi LL21 D90 Crew Van.”
 
Terry Smith, business manager at Holden Renault in Norwich said: “We’re thrilled to be handing over 30 sets of keys. It’s always a pleasure to present customers with their new Renault vehicles, but this order for 30 Kangoos has proved that local firms are investing in good quality and value-for-money products.
 
“Our customers love the Kangoo Van and its electric counterpart, the Kangoo van Z.E. thanks to a practical cabin, generous payload and frugal engines and we wish Jason and all his colleagues at Bateman Groundworks Ltd many miles of happy motoring.”
 
For more information, visit Holden on Heigham Street, Norwich (01603 628911) or www.holdengroup.co.uk  For more information on Bateman Groundworks, call 01493 444644.
 
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Pic caption: Holden Renault hands over 30 Kangoo Maxi crew vans to Batemans Groundworks Ltd. From left: Terry Smith (Holden Business Manager), Jason Ramsey (Commercial Director For Bateman Groundworks Ltd), Richard Bateman (Managing Director For Bateman Groundworks Ltd), and Nick Flowers (Director For B2B Cashflow Solutions).
 
 For more information, @grovewoodpr or @magatha28

Monday 22 October 2012

MITCHELLS RENAULT SET TO GO PINK FOR BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN


 

 

Lowestoft Renault dealer Mitchells is going pink on Friday, 26th October for a good cause, giving customers a special incentive to drop into the Long Road dealership.

 

Staff will be dressing in pink to show their support for Breast Cancer Care’s “Pink Fridays” initiative which is a month-long campaign through October to raise funds for breast cancer sufferers.

 

As proud supporters of Breast Cancer Care, the dealership will also be offering pink cakes and holding a raffle on the day.  What’s more, for each customer that visits the dealership dressed in pink, Mitchells will donate an additional £10 to the cause.

 

Dealer Principal Matthew Huke-Jenner said: “We’re tickled pink to be able to support the “Pink Friday” event.  Please come and support us on the day, and if you can dress in pink, then even better!”

 

For more details, visit Mitchells on Long Road, Lowestoft (01502 500950) or click onto www.mitchellsrenault.co.uk

 

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For more information: @grovewoodpr or @magatha28

Monday 15 October 2012

Twizy at Renault London West

A visual press release!  With thanks to Graham Fudger...



SUNLIGHT FUTURE TURNS THE LIGHT ON BRISTOL’S FIRST SOLAR-CHARGED ELECTRIC KANGOO VAN Z.E.

 


Bristol-based renewable energy company Sunlight Future has gone the extra mile for green energy. The company is running the first medium-range electric van in Bristol - and it's charged by solar energy.

 

The Kangoo Van Z.E. was recently purchased from Bristol Renault dealer City Motors, and when charged from traditional energy it produces less than a third of carbon emissions of a diesel equivalent.

 

The Sunlight Future van is charged with renewable energy generated by the solar array on the roof of the Create Centre’s eco-home, where the company is based. Charging the zero-emissions van with renewable energy means that it is effectively carbon-neutral for Sunlight Future to run.



With the transport sector responsible for 27% of all emissions, decarbonised transport will have a massive impact on reducing the UK’s total carbon emissions. Ofgem reports show that the South West has the highest installed capacity of renewable energy generation, the greatest of which comes from domestic solar installations, followed by the commercial sector. As a region, therefore, the South West is well prepared to lead the way in cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality by making the change to electric vehicles powered by renewable energy.

The Sunlight Future electric van, which will be on show at the Renault Electric Vehicle roadshow in Bristol 19-21 October, now serves as a working model for other companies.  It shows how linking renewable energy with electric vehicle infrastructure, even at a grassroots level, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and running costs.

Electric vehicles are exempt from road tax and require little servicing or maintenance. The two main costs are price of the vehicle and battery hire. Powered by renewably sourced electricity, the Sunlight Future electric van is also instantly protected from fuel price rises. Based on current prices, using solar energy for homes, businesses and electric vehicles over the next ten years will be considerably cheaper than relying on traditional energy options.

Director of Sunlight Future Ben Greenland comments:
‘We’re so excited to be able to show people that the technology to combine solar power and electric vehicles is here and it works. Nowadays electric vehicles can deliver on range, performance and efficiency, and ultimately they’ll save you money. We’re delighted to be driving a van that is exempt from tax, great fun to drive and goes at a fraction of the cost of a diesel equivalent because it’s powered by free, clean energy that we’ve generated ourselves.’

 
Nick Rixton from City Motors Renault said: “'We’ve had a lot of interest in the Kangoo Van Z.E. since it went on sale at the end of 2011. It’s just wonderful to see the passion that users have for the Kangoo Van Z.E. but Sunlight Future has really taken this to the next level. By charging it from a renewable source, they’ve shown that it is possible to be green while taking to the road and have recruited many new fans through their enthusiasm.'”


People can visit the van at the Renault ZE roadshow, @Bristol, 19-21 October or visit www.sunlightfuture.co.uk to see a video of it in action.

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Wednesday 10 October 2012

THE ‘SHOCKINGLY AFFORDABLE’ DACIA DUSTER COMES TO YATE SHOPPING CENTRE!



 

 

Shoppers were treated to the sight of the most affordable SUV on the market when the Dacia Duster came to Yate Shopping Centre recently.

Visitors to the Bristol Dacia dealers City Motors and SJ Cook and Sons stand were invited to spot the difference in price between ‘fancy items’ and ‘fantastic value items’ to be in with a chance of winning cinema tickets as well as being entered into a national draw to win a brand new Dacia Duster and a luxury trip to Marrakesh to experience having a drive in a Duster through the desert.

The Duster SUV is priced from just £8,995, with 4x4 versions starting from £10,995, several thousand pounds cheaper than comparable models. Joining the Dacia range shortly is the Sandero supermini which is likely to be the UK’s most affordable car when it opens for ordering soon.

Emma Cook from City Motors and S J Cook and Sons said: “We had a lot of visitors who came to find out more about the Dacia Duster and many were stunned at how much car is available for the money.  It was a lot of fun playing the game show and was an enjoyable way of getting the affordability message across.”

A refundable deposit of just £100 will secure a Dacia Duster for delivery in 2013.

For more information, visit City Motors, Pioneer Park, off Whitby Road, (0117 972 3030) or SJ Cook and Sons, Station Road, Kingswood, ( 0117 957 9700).

Alternatively, visit www.carcogroup.co.uk or www.dacia.co.uk or go to www.facebook.com/dacia for more information. 

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1.    Clare Hopkins with her three-year-old daughter Betty from Filton sign up for the Dacia Duster Challenge with Billy Barnham of Renault Events.
 
For more information, please contact us @grovewoodpr or @magatha28

HOLDEN RENAULT IN NORWICH HOSTS ELECTRIFYING DRIVING EVENT AT THE FORUM



The Forum was electrified this weekend when local Renault dealers hosted a driving event with a difference.

 

The event was organised as part of Renault’s Z.E. Test Drive Tour 2012 and allowed local motorists and customers of Holden Renault to drive the head-turning electric  two-seat  Twizy  urban compact .  The Kangoo Van Z.E. and Fluence  Z.E. saloon were also available to test drive, while the forthcoming  ZOE supermini was on display

People were invited to put the Twizy through its paces on a Twizy agility course after being welcomed inside Renault’s geodesic dome. The dome was a welcome point and allowed visitors to find out more about battery range, charging times, pricing and Plugged-In Places infrastructure.

 

Kerry Grady from Holden Renault was on hand to answer questions about living with an electric vehicle. She said: “Over the weekend, more than 150 test drives were taken.  The Forum was a fantastic backdrop to our test drives and allowed customers to put the electric range to the test in relaxed surroundings. 

 

“The whole event was very positive and we had massive interest in all of the range over the weekend. As well as invited customers, there were many people who were walking past and were intrigued by what they saw. Everyone had a smile on their face after the test drive and we were able to answer questions on running costs, the environmental benefits and Renault’s unique battery leasing.”

 

For more information on Renault’s Z.E. range, visit Holden Renault on Heigham Street (01603 628911) or click onto www.holdengroup.co.uk

 

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 For more info, please contact us @grovewoodpr
 

POETIC JUSTICE FOR GRAVELLS RENAULT CUSTOMER


 

When customers collect their brand new Renault at Gravells, they usually hand over the keys to their traded-in vehicle before driving off.

 

But there was an extra surprise for staff at Kidwelly Renault dealership Gravells when Robert Harley came in to collect his brand new Clio, as he presented them with a poem entitled “Renault Heaven” about his ownership experience.

 

The poem has been published in the local town magazine and will also be sung to the tune of Cwm Rhondda by the Cor Meibion Dyffryn Tywi Choir at a forthcoming concert in the town.

 

Jonathan Gravell from Gravells, who handed over the keys to the Harleys, said: “It is always a pleasure to hand over the keys to a customer, but for someone to be so delighted with their previous Renault, that they put pen to paper and write a poem is a real sign of their love for the car and the Gravells service. Rebecca bought her Clio five years ago and now Robert has joined her replacing the faithful Mégane.  We’re delighted to receive this verse and wish them all the best in their new Clio”

 

For more information, visit Gravells Renault on Banc Pendre,

Kidwelly (01554 890436) or visit www.gravells.com

 

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Picture caption: Robert and Rebecca Harley collect their new Clio from Jonathan and David Gravell.

 

Renault Heaven (to the tune of Cwm Rhondda)

 

Gravells Renault in Kidwelly,

They sell cars that go on and on

Twelve years and a hundred’n sixty thousand

My soft top Mégane should be gone

 

To Renault Heaven, Renault Heaven

That great Car Park in the sky, in the sky,

Where Renaults go to when they die

 

Though the years have taken their toil, just

Reg’lar servicing, change of oil

Have kept my trusty steed on rolling

My suspect driving has not spoiled

 

Renault Heaven, Renault Heaven

That is where my car should be, car should be

Gravells kept her going reverently

 

Tho’ my battered car is past it

Gravells Garage does reveal,

The main thing that is wrong with the car is,

The nut holding on the steering wheel

 

Renault Heaven, Renault Heaven,

Aiming for that further shore, further shore

But the delights of a brand new Clio are in store...



Contact us for more info @grovewoodpr

Tuesday 2 October 2012

FISH BROTHERS RENAULT IN SWINDON MAKE THE SUM OF ALL PARTS FOR SG MOTORSPORT

 
 



Though the economy may not look buoyant, a Swindon Renault dealer is proving that even the tougher times can be lucrative simply by investing in relationships with local businesses.

Fish Brothers Renault is marking another successful year with its customer SG Motorsport who deal with the service, repair and maintenance of performance cars of all makes and models, but specialising in Clio – Renault’s two-seater, rear-engineered supermini .


The business is owned and run by Renaultsport fanatic Scott Glander who receives enquiries and bookings from car owners all over the UK. More than 100 Clio V6s have passed through the doors of the workshop near Chippenham and all of these require the genuine Renault parts supplied by Fish Brothers and looked after by Stuart Headon, group parts representative.


The two local businesses have since been working closely together since the end of 2004, when Scott started out on his own.


He said: “I first got into Renaults as my friend and best man at my wedding Martin is Renault through and through. He works as a Renault Technical Expert for Fish Brothers Renault and has been with them straight from school. I got into Renaults through him and work and have come to admire them as people have a real passion for them. I’ve often seen people walk past Italian performance cars to admire a Renaultsport and I love that they’re all hand-built and so one-off and unique. Every one of them is different with different histories.”


Scott grew up with cars and originally worked for a company called Dave Appleby Engineering whose main customer was TWR who built the Phase I V6 Clio for Renault. When TWR went into administration, Dave Appleby bought all the bankrupt stock, before selling it on to Scott when he started SG Motorsport.


Since then, Scott has grown his business without advertising, relying solely on word-of-mouth recommendations and the online Renaultsport community. As well as being famed for his knowledge of everything Renault, he’s also well-known for his Great Dane Buster, his constant companion in the workshop, who sadly died recently.


Stuart, who is equally passionate about Renault, having worked with the brand for 27 years, added: “It’s my job to make sure Scott and customers like him are well-looked after. We offer such incentives as reward points that can be exchanged for merchandise or high street vouchers and we know the product inside out as Fish Brothers is a specialist Renaultsport dealership.


“We work with Scott on new products and offer great bulk deals on genuine parts at attractive prices such as oil filters, brake pads and discs and timing belts.


“Renault offers “price lock” which means we agree prices and then they’re guaranteed for the year.


“I come out to see him every two months. As with all customers, we go the extra mile. I’m proud to say that we’re proactive here at Fish Brothers –we employ good people who develop relationships.


“Funnily enough, when I first met Scott, he had racks and racks of Renault Clio headlights which were originally supplied by me to TWR, and then bought by him.”


The relationship has paid off from a sales point of view too. Scott is driving a Trafic van for work, which he is set to replace with another Trafic in November, while his wife is driving a Mégane. The Clio V6 that was also in the family had to go when his son was born, he says wistfully.


Currently in the workshop are six Clio V6s in for various modifications, including a Clio V6 phase II 255 that was owned by Renault UK and was the second to be produced, proudly bearing a “2” plaque.


Scott adds: “I only ever use Stuart for Renault parts. His team is all first class and always find exactly what we need. They really are as good as gold.”


For more information, contact Fish Brothers Renault on 01793 645650 or www.fish-bros.co.uk/renault. For SG Motorsport, call 01666 511191 or click onto www.renaultcliov6.com


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1. Scott Glander of SG Motorsport (right) with Stuart Headon (left) from Fish Brothers Renault outside Scott’s workshop, with Clio V6s that he’s currently working on.