ELECTRIC VEHICLES CREATE A BUZZ AT ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

NEWS FROM RENAULT BIRMINGHAM

For immediate release: 15^th March, 2012

Renault Birmingham’s sparkling electric vehicles brought an environmentally-friendly touch of Emerald Isle green to the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade.

The buzzing event was part of Birmingham’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival, and the Digbeth dealership used the colourful procession to showcase the award-winning Kangoo Van Z.E. and the soon-to-be-launched Fluence Z.E.

The Fluence Z.E will be the second of Renault’s 100% electric range to hit the market, and the parade was the first time the all-electric saloon had been given a public debut by the dealership.

Also on show was the celebrated Kangoo Van Z.E. – the world’s first all-electric light commercial vehicle produced by a mass market manufacturer.

The vehicles were decorated with flags and balloons and driven by Sales Manager Alex Leigh and Sales Executive Simon Morgan, who wore Leprechaun-style green hats to embrace the party atmosphere at the event on Sunday 11^th March.

Renault Birmingham electric vehicle expert Simon said: “We had a great time at the St Patrick’s Day parade and were very excited to have been able to showcase the Fluence Z.E. for the first time.

“The huge crowds made us feel very welcome and it was great to be a part of celebrations at the heart of the city.”

Renault Birmingham is one of 20 Renault dealerships currently selling electric vehicles across the UK and staff have undergone specialist preparation and technical training to address the demands of the new technology.

The dealership has been fitted with new charging points with provider British Gas – one for the workshop and one for the car park. There is also a charging point in the showroom to provide demonstrations to customers. 

The Kangoo Van Z.E. starts at just £16,990 excluding VAT, with monthly battery hire from £60 (6,000 miles annual mileage over 3 years), and following the recent government announcement that the electric vehicle grant is now extended to include vans, customers can now buy the standard version for as little as £13,592 excluding VAT and delivery.

Leasing rates are available from £424.59 per month with battery life guarantee, roadside assistance and 100,000 mile warranty.

The Fluence Z.E. is £17,850 on the road, after a £5,000 government grant, with battery lease from £75 per month (based on 6,000 miles per year/3 years) and is now available to reserve online at www.renault-ze.com for £20.

For more information on electric vehicles visit Renault Birmingham, High Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 OLL or call 0121 252 7000.

ENDS

WORDS 401

Dpr11438

PATRIOTIC RENAULT CARDIFF SHOWS SUPPORT FOR SIX NATIONS RUGBY

NEWS FROM RENAULT CARDIFF

For immediate release: 13^th March, 2012

Two Renault Twingos sporting the national flags of Wales and France will take to the streets of Cardiff as the Six Nations rugby tournament touches down in the city.

The stylish new cars have been specially wrapped in heat-treated vinyl at Renault Cardiff to form the colours and patterns of the famous Welsh dragon and the distinctive red, white and blue of France - the home of Renault.

Thousands of rugby fans will see both cars driven around the city when the two countries clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 17^th March.

New Car Sales Executive and former Swansea City footballer, Darren Perrett, came up with the novel idea to tie in with Renault’s French heritage and celebrate the match as it is held less than two miles from the dealership in Penarth Road.

The keen sportsman also recently discovered he had French ancestors which encouraged him to follow France in the Six Nations.

He said: “With Renault being a French company and my own new-found support for the French rugby team, I thought it would be fun to make the fans feel at home when they arrive here for the match.

“What bolder and better way to show support than to dress up one of our stylish new-look Twingos with the French Tricolor and take to the streets.”

Following Darren’s idea to lend support to the French, New Car Sales Manager, Leigh McGrath, decided the dealership should also decorate a second Twingo with the Welsh flag - representing the Cardiff dealership and his own love for the rugby team.

“I will be backing Wales at the Millennium Stadium this time”, he said. “but it is great that Renault Cardiff are able to get behind both teams.”

The cars being used to support the rugby teams are both new-look Twingos, following Renault’s revamp of the car for 2012.

The more economical and stylish looking Twingos are inspired by Renault’s new design identity and changes include lower fuel consumption, a new front end, enlarged diamond logo, new seat patterns and two new exterior colours – Fuchsia and Bermuda Blue.

New Twingo features an exciting brand new collection of five roof decals, so, like Renault Cardiff, you can give yours its own unique make-over. Two of the decals can be coordinated with the interior and upholstery.

Customers can also choose different colours for the door mirrors and tips of the protective side mouldings, with colours which contrast with the main body colour. The cars can also feature 17 different alloy wheel and wheel trim options and the choice of an electrically-operated fabric sunroof.

The two Renault Twingos decorated with the French and Welsh flags will be on sale after the match.

For more information about the new Renault Twingo visit Renault Cardiff, 295 Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8UU or call 02920 421 000.

Ends

Words 535

DPR11406

RENAULT BIRMINGHAM TO SHOWCASE BRAND NEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

NEWS FROM RENAULT BIRMINGHAM

For immediate release: 2^nd March, 2012

Electric vehicles from Renault Birmingham will be helping turn the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade an eco-friendly shade of Irish green this month.

The dealership will have a Kangoo Van Z.E. and a Fluence Z.E. taking part in the festivities and driving through the city from Midday on March 11, as part of the popular parade in honour of the patron saint of Ireland. The event will include Irish dancing, music and traditional entertainment and is part of Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day Festival – which will run until March 17.

The 100% electric Kangoo Van Z.E was launched at the dealership earlier this year and the award-winning van has already scooped the International Van of the Year 2012 title, as well as What Van? Magazine’s top prize.

The electric van is also the world’s first all- electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by a mass market manufacturer.

In contrast to the van, this will be the first time many of the crowd watching the parade will have seen the Fluence Z.E, the second of Renaults 100% electric range to reach the market, due to launch officially in the near future.

The Fluence Z.E. is the first affordable, all-electric saloon with a high level of equipment, which includes 16 inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, climate control, an ecoMeter and charging sockets on both front wings.

Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of either electric vehicle might want to watch the parade as it travels through Digbeth, the Irish quarter of the City, and home to the Renault Birmingham dealership.

Following the St Patrick’s Day festivities there will also be an opportunity for anyone interested in finding out more about the Kangoo Van Z..E. to attend ‘Growing Green 2012’ -the regions biggest environmental technology showcase.

The free event is from 9am until 2pm on Wednesday March 21^st at the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich, with booking essential by visiting www.finditintheblackcountry.co.uk

and following the links.

Renault Birmingham New Sales Executive Beverley Hamblett will be there on the day with the electric van to talk to visitors about Business 2 Business (B2B) sales at the dealership.

There are currently 21 Renault dealerships that have invested in the infrastructure to allow them to showcase the Kangoo Van Z.E.

Staff at each of these dealers have undergone specialist preparation and technical training to address the demands of the new technology.

Renault Birmingham, like the other showrooms, has been fitted with new charging points with provider British Gas – one for the workshop and one for the car park. There is also a charging point in the showroom to provide demonstrations to customers. 

The Kangoo Van Z.E. starts at just £16,990 excluding VAT, with monthly battery hire from £60 (6,000 miles annual mileage over 3 years), and following the recent government announcement that the electric vehicle grant is now extended to include vans, customers can now buy the standard version for as little as £13,592 excluding VAT and delivery.

Leasing rates are available from £424.59 per month with battery life guarantee, roadside assistance and 100,000 mile warranty.

The Fluence Z.E. is £17,850 on the road, after a £5,000 government grant, with battery lease from £75 per month (based on 6,000 miles per year/3 years) and is now available to reserve online at www.renault-ze.com for £20 (non-refundable)

For more information on electric vehicles visit Renault Birmingham, High Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 OLL or call 0121 252 7000.

Words 566

Dpr11405

CUSTOMERS INVITED TO TEST DRIVE THE FLUENCE Z.E. AND KANGOO VAN Z.E. FOR THE FIRST TIME AT ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPEN DAY

NEWS FROM RENAULT MANCHESTER

For immediate release: 2^nd March, 2012

After becoming the first Renault dealership to launch electric vehicles, Renault Manchester is following up with a one-off event dedicated to the new and forthcoming additions in its range.

The dealership, in Trinity Way, is holding the ‘Plugged In’ day for people to learn more about Renault electric vehicles by watching a presentation, and taking a test drive, on Thursday March 15.

There will be several specialists on hand to answer questions about the cars in the showroom, which will include three of the 100 % electric Kangoo Van Z.E. models and three demonstration 100% electric Fluence Z.E. cars – a first for the dealership.

The Kangoo Van Z.E. is the world’s first electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by a mass market manufacturer and has already won the International Van of the Year 2012 title and What Van? Magazine’s top prize.

However, this will be the first time most customers get a chance to view and also drive the stylish Fluence Z.E. the second of Renault’s four-strong Z.E. electric vehicles to reach the market.

The Fluence Z.E. is the first affordable, all-electric saloon with a high level of equipment, which includes 16 inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, climate control, an ecoMeter and charging sockets on both front wings.

Renault’s partner, British Gas, will also have representatives on hand during the course of the day to explain more about the electric vehicle charging points they have provided and installed at the dealership, and how these points work to power the cars and vans.

Customers interested in attending the midday presentation or booking a test drive in either the morning or afternoon, should email General Manager, Jim Schofield, at jim.schofield@renault.co.uk to receive further details and times.

Jim said: “This is a real opportunity for people to take a proper look at the range of electric vehicles on offer including the soon-to-launch Fluence Z.E.

“We want people to ask questions in their own time during the day and we will also be providing refreshments.

“Things customers might want to know more about include the monthly battery hire plans to reduce concern over replacement costs and operation guarantees.

“We will have experts there on the day for people to discuss these types of issues with and to find out more about the benefits of electric cars.

“This will be the first time many people have test driven a vehicle from the range too, so we are very pleased to be offering that option.”

The Kangoo Van Z.E. starts at just £16,990 excluding VAT, with monthly battery hire from £60 (6,000 miles annual mileage over 3 years), and following the recent government announcement that the electric vehicle grant is now extended to include vans customers can now buy the standard version for as little as £13,592 excluding VAT and delivery.

Leasing rates are available from £424.59 per month with battery life guarantee, roadside assistance and 100,000 mile warranty.

The Fluence Z.E. is £17,850 on the road, after a £5,000 government grant, with battery lease from £75 per month (based on 6,000 miles per year/3 years) and is now available to reserve online at www.renault-ze.com for £20 (non-refundable)

For further information on Renault electric vehicles visit www.renault-ze.com or to find out more about the electric vehicle range at Renault Manchester visit the dealership in Trinity Way, Salford, M3 7FT or call 0161 252 000.

Dpr11403

Words 560