No agency model for Renault as it appoints new head of network development

Renault Group UK has appointed John Richardson as its new head of network development as it re-affirms its commitment to its franchised dealer model.

Richardson has held senior sales and service operation positions at Renault over the last 15 years. His industry experience also encompasses previous roles at Ford and Vauxhall.

The Renault Group field team, which is responsible for both Renault and Dacia brands, has also been adapted as part of the new Network Development plans, giving equal support across sales and aftersales, and operating at a partner level under the guidance of Stephen Senior and Kevin Souster respectively.

Ben Fish, Renault Group network operations director, said: “We are not following the agency model adopted by other manufacturers, and firmly see dealers in our plan to drive the success of Renault Group in the UK. Dealers are essential to our customer satisfaction and growth, and their profitability is key so we have firmly structured ourselves to support this with the appointment of John and other changes.”

The new model will give aftersales teams greater opportunity to focus on supporting the brand’s dealer network to continue delivering an “exceptional customer experience”, while also increasing service profitability and retention across the network.

Fish added: “What's exciting is together with our network we have a transformative burst of new products coming within a two-year window. For Renault we have the Megane E-Tech 100% electric launched last year, the Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid SUV coming in June this year and before long, the hotly anticipated fully electric Renault 5 and Renault 4 models.

“For our plans to succeed, with so many new car launches, we must be simple and consistent in our approach and empower our network partners to do what they do best; to deliver an outstanding customer experience.”

Fish joined Renault UK last year, from Seat and Cupra, replacing Tim Marriott. He is responsible for sales operations, fleet and network development. 

Renault and Nissan have re-forged their car manufacturing Alliance on a new platform of balanced governance which will underpin electric vehicle (EV) and software partnerships.

The changes will see Renault Group transfer 28.4% of Nissan shares into a French trust in a move that would see the OEMs retain a 15% cross-shareholding.