Renault offers low finance rate

RENAULT Australia is offering buyers a 2.9 per cent finance deal on cars ordered before the end of August and delivered before the end of September.

Renault Financial Services, which was launched in Australia in May and is backed by the long-running Nissan financial services operation, said the renewed finance offer was to celebrate the start of the new financial year.

The organisation had previously offered an introductory 1.9 per cent interest rate, which applied to the end of June, along with a 3.9 per cent rate for Kangoo and Trafic light commercial vehicles, which has been rolled on into July and August.

Renault believes the new rate of 2.9 per cent for passenger cars – with no establishment fee or account-keeping fee – is the most attractive finance offer in the market today.

The company estimates a saving of more than $4170 on a $25,990 manual transmission Renault Megane or Fluence Dynamique model over the course of a three-year lease with a 50 per cent residual balloon payment, compared against conventional finance at 9.9 per cent.

From top: Renault Megane CC, Koleos, Latitude and Sport Clio RS200 Cup.

The 2.9 per cent finance deal is available on the Renault Megane Hatch, Megane Coupe-Convertible, Fluence Sedan, Latitude and Latitude Luxe, Koleos 4x2 and 4x4, Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup, Gordini Edition and Australian Grand Prix Edition cars (but not the hot Megane Renault Sport 250).

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar believes the inaugural finance offer has helped the French brand’s resurgence in 2011, with sales having increased by 75.2 per cent to the end of June compared with the same period last year.

Sales of 410 vehicles in June was Renault’s best monthly total since April 2002 and some 298.1 per cent ahead of the same month in 2010.

“Renault is aiming to maintain the momentum it has built up this year,” said Mr Hocevar.

“We have increased our sales through a combination of well-equipped, well-priced new models, backed-up by a highly competitive finance offer. We intend to keep the momentum flowing into the new Financial Year.

“We are delighted that Australian car buyers have quickly recognised the value offered by our new models, backed by a five-year factory warranty on Renault passenger cars.”

Renault has committed to releasing its first electric vehicle, the Fluence ZE, in Australia by the end of next year.