Renault: We are number 1 European brand in KSA

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Suresh Sethurathnam, country head, Renault Saudi Arabia, confirmed to Arab News that the company is ranked number one European company in Saudi Arabia and that it has achieved a 17 percent growth in 2013.
He praised the performance of the Duster off-road segment and performance, reliability and reasonable pricing of the brand.
These are the highlights of the interview:
KSA is regarded as to be the largest GCC market, how successful is Renault in this market?
Renault achieved great success in the Saudi Arabian market.
Demand increased annually in a market considered to be one of the biggest in the Middle East region and among the fastest growing in the automotive industry.
Renault is the number one European brand in Saudi Arabia.
This success is attributed to the cars’ strength, reliability, safety, and quality standards.
Renault’s success is also attributed to its sleek designs and topnotch technology in addition to the confidence and commitment level that the company provides for its customers in the Kingdom, which made Renault an ideal and favored car in Saudi Arabia.
Can you quantify Renault’s success in Saudi Arabia in terms of sales’ growth?
We achieved a 17 percent growth in sales last year (2013) that allowed Renault to maintain its leading position as the number one European brand for the second consecutive year.
This success enhanced as well Renault’s position in the Gulf region with an eight percent annual sales’ increase.
These positive outcomes came as a result of the abundant presence and increasing demand for the Duster SUV and the Fluence sedan had in the Saudi market.
The Fluence and the Duster proved to be trustworthy and reliable cars that offer the best driving experience on paved roads and on rugged terrains as well.
How does Renault deal with the intense competition in the Saudi market?
We strive at Renault Saudi Arabia to provide products and services with international quality standards.
As a result we have gained the trust and confidence of our customers.
Renault offers that perfect balance between competitive prices and international quality that give this renowned French car the edge to succeed and attain an imposing growth in the Saudi market that is categorized by high rivalry and fierce competition.
Similarly, Renault cars are exclusively built for the harsh conditions of the Gulf region. Each car undergoes meticulous tests at Renault Regional Research Center in the UAE to ensure that all vehicles delivered comply with Renault’s standards in order to satisfy the specific needs of our customers in the Gulf region.
What best differentiates Renault service and spare parts from other competitors?
We want to provide the best repair and maintenance services to our customers. Therefore, we initiated a plan to educate and inform them about the quality and prices of all Renault spare parts.
Accordingly, we installed details on our competitive prices of our spare parts at all our locations in the kingdom. As for service, Renault frequently offers valuable promotional programs and exceptional services for its customers.
These promotional offers include: Brakes Maintenance Campaigns, AC Maintenance Campaigns, “My Renault” digital platform, and the Mobile Service Van. Likewise, Renault strives to maintain continuous interaction and communication with its customers either through its social media pages or through its website where we can instantly answer any inquiry or request. Listening to our customers’ needs and requirements is of utmost importance to us.
How can Renault satisfy needs of young Saudi nationals who are often interested in luxurious cars?
Renault provides unique products to the Saudi youth that combine luxury and originality while at the same time offer safety, comfort and reliability.
The new Safrane 2014, for example, is offered at incomparable competitive prices. It was developed by using the latest technology in collaboration with the renowned Korean Samsung Motors company.
The car offers smart technology and selected features that guarantee a rewarding and comfortable drive without compromising on luxury, quality and performance.
Similarly, the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet offers a sporty and modern look.
The Megane Coupe-Cabriolet is characterized with a lustrous design and superior performance.
What does Renault Saudi Arabia offer to fleet owners?
Renault fleet owners are considered primary partners and the company regularly organizes fleet events and celebrations to honor its customers’ brand loyalty.
This is part of Renault’s continuous efforts to build and maintain exceptional professional relationship and unique level of trust with all its customers in Saudi Arabia.
Our ‘Renault Mobile Service Van’ is exclusively offered to fleet owners at their own maintenance and repair centers.
Renault SA was listed as one of the top two brands for customer satisfaction by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. What does this ranking mean for Renault?
Renault Saudi Arabia is honored for being ranked amongst the top two brands in customer satisfaction according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry 2013 mid-year report.
Renault considers the needs and concerns of its customers at the forefront of its business in the Kingdom.
The company is dedicated to providing services that match and even exceed the expectations of its customers in line with Renault brand motto “Drive the change”.