Renault is the leading European brand in the first quarter of 2011 in Saudi Arabia and Oman, and the third best European brand in UAE and Qatar. According to the Middle East Automobile Council (MEAC), Renault is the third best European auto brand, after BMW and Mercedes, in the Gulf region and is among the top 20 automobile brands in the GCC region.
Recently Renault appointed its first official distributor in Iraq: United Trading Automobile Company (UTAC). UTAC is formed by a group of companies including Al Bunnia Group, Middle East-based CET Holding Group and AW Rostamani. Through this distribution channel Renault is looking forward to increase its sales in the Middle East, Asia and Gulf region.
Mustansir Lakdawala, Managing Director, Renault GCC, said: “Our approach is people-centric. Our regional office and our importers work hard on a daily basis and at every level to give the best possible Renault car ownership experience. This starts with product quality and our commitment to locally test all cars prior to their introduction. To enhance our customers’ experience, we plan to increase the number of regional showrooms by 45 per cent by the end of 2011. As a result, we are confident Renault will have an excellent sales year in the GCC in 2011.”
Marketing Director, Renault GCC, Mr. Benoit Turibe told: “We are now seeing the full benefits of our return to Saudi Arabia nine months ago. The first quarter figures confirm our excellent 2010 results. Our growth in this period is two and a half times higher than what we achieved throughout 2010.”
A 113- year- old company, Renault is known for its automotive excellence and innovation. After Renault’s acquisition of a 44.3% stake in Nissan Motors, Japan, the Renault-Nissan alliance is the fourth largest automobile group in the world.
