Volume cars review by 'le createur'

Renault is to spend the next two years renewing its range of upper medium and executive models.

Benoit Marzloff, Renault UK managing director, said the new, larger Laguna was the first step in a strategy which would see three more models. The Avantime is due in the UK late next year, the Vel Satis in early 2002 and finally the next generation Espace MPV.

Laguna II will go on sale in February as a 5dr and 'Sport Tourer' estate. Mr Marzloff said the company was forecasting 25% of sales would be estates but he believed it could be as much as 40% of volume.

Renault used the launch of a new brand image to move to three-year warranty and extended service intervals. Service intervals have been extended to 18,000 miles, or two years, with a free safety check after 9,000 miles or one year. The company will now use the slogan 'Createur d'Automobiles' to emphasise its innovation across Europe. A new advertising campaign features French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Mr Marzloff said the new slogan had been researched in the UK where customers had agreed the French language wording sent out a “stronger message” than its English equivalent, creator of cars.