“Renault’s dealer network has never been stronger,” says the brand’s UK sales director Darren Payne.

Claiming the accolade as the UK’s fastest growing franchise, 2015 saw Renault enjoy its third consecutive year of sales growth, together with continued increase in dealer representation.

Nineteen new dealerships opened, 13 new investor partners signed up and the 26-strong Renaultsport specialist dealer network established.

Fifteen more dealerships are set to open this year.

Payne (pictured) said: “Renault’s dealer network has never been stronger and with the support of our investors we have posted another amazing performance in 2015, which is even more impressive considering that this was achieved with only two core car models – the Clio and Captur.

“With the acclaimed all-new Kadjar (gallery below) now established and the all-new Mégane and all-new Scenic due later this year, we are fully committed to continue growing in the year ahead

“As our GO5+ strategy continues, it’s clear that our ambitions are fast-becoming reality with our volume and profit objectives firmly on track.

“It’s a very exciting time for both customers and franchise investors, our brands being more appealing, popular and varied than ever before and the network going from strength to strength.

"We only see great things ahead and while 2015 was an excellent result, we believe that 2016 will be even better. We have the right product, the right franchise and a passionate dealer network – all the ingredients that are required to achieve our long term goals and to deliver a quality focused, first-class customer experience.”

Encompassing Renault cars, LCVs and Dacia, Groupe Renault UK sales for 2015 stood at 127,343 vehicles – up by 17.4% on 2014. 

Renault cars recorded a four-year high of 75,618 vehicles, Dacia sold 26,228 models and Renault LCVs were up by 40% to a 25,458 vans – the best ever year for Renault LCVs in the UK.

Developments at deal level included the introduction of the Renault Store showroom concept.

The number of business-focused Pro+ dealerships grew to 40 in 2015, with a further 32 dealerships now also introducing a dedicated ‘local business specialist’. There was also investment in the distribution network.

“Customer experience is a key part of Groupe Renault’s GO5+ mid-term plan for sustainable growth,” Payne said.

The newly-created ‘total customer experience’ division integrates customer engagement, customer support, product support and warranty, in order to deliver the best possible Renault experience to customers.

“Establishing a separate enables Groupe Renault UK to fully deliver on its GO5+ mid-term plan by building a lasting, positive customer relationship and improving brand image.”

> GO5+ is Renault’s UK five-year mid-term plan, started in June 2013, with the aim to deliver more than 5% group market share in 2017 along with top-tier network profitability above industry average, top 10 ranking in the Auto Express Driver Power Customer Ownership Survey and a top 10 global opinion rank for the Renault brand.