We’re extremely satisfied with our results in the Adriatic region, for which I am responsible: in the first six months, private vehicle sales across the entire region increased by 11% and light commercial vehicle sales were up 15% compared to the same period last year, highlights Renault Nissan Adriatic Managing Director Jean Pierre Mesić
The automotive industry has become extremely demanding. Huge competition has massively imposed new standards in production, and the WLTP protocol, which came into force on 1st September, will also change the European automotive scene.
The last few years have been record-breaking ones for the Renault group, with a market share of almost 20 per cent. Which models have been the most popular and why?
Last year was another new record year for the Renault group globally. Commercial and financial results are a result of the strategy we’ve applied over the past few years and the efforts of all employees of the group.
We are also extremely satisfied with our results in the Adriatic region, for which I am responsible: in the first six months, private vehicle sales across the entire region increased by 11% and light commercial vehicle sales were up 15% compared to the same period last year.
By 2022 we will have eight Z.E. 100% electric models and 12 electrified solutions
When it comes to Serbia, the most important models leading to this success are the Renault Clio, which found its place among many private buyers, but also among a significant number of large companies that opted for its delivery version. As for the Dacia brand, the leader in sales is the Sandero model, of which we are particularly proud, considering that it represents the best-selling model on the private buyers market, and continues to firmly occupy that position so far in 2018.
The new Worldwide Harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) protocols for measuring exhaust emissions and fuel consumption were introduced in Europe as of 1st September. How will these protocols impact on the markets of the Adriatic region?
The WLTP protocol has compelled all automotive manufacturers to efficiently process engines with the goal of reducing emissions of harmful gases. New technologies are distinguished by the reduced environmental impact of vehicles, but apart from that they also have their own cost. We will, as manufacturers, take on part of that cost ourselves, but part of it should also be taken on by our customers. This will lead to cars being more economical and environmentally friendly, but also somewhat more expensive.
In response to market demands, we’ve designed a range of petrol and diesel engines that meet the new standards, and by 2022 we will have eight Z.E. 100% electric models and 12 electrified solutions.
In many European Union countries, including Croatia and Slovenia, which are part of our Adriatic region, there are still uncertainties about when the application of the WLTP protocol will precisely begin, and how special taxes on motor vehicles will be calculated. The impact of WLTP will be felt the least in Serbia, as the tax on vehicles is not linked directly to harmful gas emissions.
Renault recently introduced innovations to operations in Poreč. What is at the basis of these changes?
Presentations of automotive companies often boil down to the presenting of new models, modern engines and innovative technologies. We wanted to go a step further by telling the other side of the story. It was with this in mind, in June, that we organised a great media presentation of all the new innovations that the Renault Group offers in its post-sale services.
Thus, we offer our clients multiple programmes, including “Program 5+”, “Extended Guarantee”, “Maintenance Agreement” etc., and as of next year – in the spirit of digitalisation – we will provide them with our “Online offer”.