Renault Laguna, Wind and Espace dropped
* Renault cuts models from UK range * Smaller range from February 2012 * Line-up too extensive, says Renault...
Renault will stop selling the Laguna, the Wind convertible, and the Espace and Grand Espace MPVs in the UK on February 1, 2012.
A Renault spokesman says the decision is purely for 'profitability', because it felt the UK offering was too extensive and it wants to allow its dealers to concentrate on core models. The car version of the Kangoo and the Modus and Grand Modus are also due to be ditched.
Sales of several of the outgoing models have been low compared with those of rivals, with the Laguna selling 3204 in 2010 against the Ford Mondeos 30,115, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The Wind has sold just 2354 units since its launch in mid-2010.
Espace sales have also been struggling, selling only 499 in both formats in 2010 against the Ford Galaxys total of 7533.
The discontinued cars will still be sold in Europe, and will continue to be replaced elsewhere as previously planned.
The Renault range will be refreshed in 2012, with a face-lifted Twingo arriving in January, the new Scenic in February and the revamped Megane in April. The Clio gets a fresh look in November.
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