Gasgoo.com (Shanghai July 23) - Renault China is read to embark on the second phase of its current development strategy for the Chinese market, Beijing News reported today. The manufacturer announced the plan, which will last three years, at a conference held in Beijing last Thursday.
Renault China implemented the first phase of its development strategy from 2009 to 2011. During that time, Renault became one of China's fast growing brands, with its annual sales jumping from 5,321 units in 2009 to 24,000 by 2011. Despite overall growth in the Chinese automobile market slowing down last year, the manufacturer still managed to sell 35,000 vehicles. At the same time, China has quickly become one of Renault's most important markets. Earlier this year, Renault appointed Executive Vice President Katsumi Nakamura as head of its Chinese operations, further proving the country's significance.
In the second phase of the plan, Renault plans to improve the quality of its customer service and expand the scope of its sales network. The manufacturer will reportedly introduce new promotional offers with the aim of attracting new customers, including zero interest financing and discounts for returning buyers. Renault is also preparing solutions to questions brought up by current Renault owners. At the same time, Renault aims to decrease sales costs, boosting its overall profitability. By the end of the year, Renault plans to have 115 dealerships operating in China, with its sales network extending to third- and fourth-tier cities.
The manufacturer has also announced its plans to add six more vehicles its current seven model product line over the next three years. However, Renault refused to specify which new models it will bring over. There is speculation that the six models will include vehicles from the upcoming Dongfeng Renault joint venture.
According to Renault China CEO Chen Guozhang (pictured below), the second phase plan is a transitional phase, and will provide the bedrock on which the third phase plan will be built on. There are expectations across the industry that Renault will begin manufacturing vehicles in China before long.
