6:46 pm, December 19, 2011
FRENCH firm Renault has announced it is to slash its model range dramatically in early 2012.
From February, the company will stop selling some of its best-known cars in the UK.
In a shocking pre-Christmas announcement, Renault said it will axe the entire Laguna range comprising of the hatch, sport tourer and coupe, Espace and Grand Espace, Modus and Grand Modus.
Also on the hit list is the recently-launched Wind Roadster along with the Kangoo car version. The Kangoo van survives.
The news was announced at a special conference today at which the French firm made clear its plans for 2012.
From February, Renault will simplify its trim line-up in the UK. Dynamique and Renaultsport will make up the new Twingo range; Expression+, Dynamique, GT Line and Renaultsport will be the four models under the Clio umbrella; and Dynamique will be the Scenic’s only trim level.
Today’s announcement from the French manufacturer went on to outline new products coming to the UK in the next 12 months. January will see the launch of the new Twingo, February the new Scenic, and March the all-electric Twizy.
The new Megane will appear in April, the electric Fluence ZE in May, Zoe in October, the all-new Clio 4 in November, and the Dacia Duster in December.
Despite the new models coming to the range, the company plans to sell significantly fewer cars in 2012. Renault said: ‘This year we will sell 75,540 cars and vans in the UK and next year we forecast a decrease to around 51,000 with an increase in 2013.’
