SMC Renault - SMC Renault News
What`s new at SMC

22/12/08 PRIZE DRAW TO WIN £2,000 WHEN YOU BUY A USED CAR FROM SMC
Following the recent success of SMC’s autumn prize draw, Surrey’s largest Renault dealer has decided to repeat the offer with a £2,000 giveaway to one lucky winner in January.
Anyone buying a used car or van from any of the four SMC Renault branches throughout January is in with a chance of winning £2,000 to spend which will certainly bring some New Year cheer.
SMC Sales Director Keith Wheeler said: “Congratulations to Charles Beresford from Weybridge who was the winner of our last £2,000 draw in October.
“We had such a fantastic response to the competition that we decided to run it again so that anyone that buys a used car or van from any of our sites in Guildford, Weybridge, St John’s and Woking in January 2009 will be entered into a draw to win £2,000 of their purchase money back.
“It’s also the ideal opportunity to see our new cars, including the beautiful Laguna Coupé which is launched here on January 2nd, promising to be one of next year`s most admired cars, combining elegant styling, sporty performance and touches of luxury.
“We know that January can be a bit dreary so this is our way of starting 2009 off the way we mean to go on and who knows, you could end up with a late Christmas present you weren’t expecting!”
The draw will be held on Monday, 2nd February at SMC Guildford at 10am.

28/11/08 SMC Group sign up to the Motor Industry Code Of Practice
The code is S Surrey Renault dealer group SMC has signed up to the new Motor Industry Code of Practice introduced at at the end of August 2008.
All dealerships including Guildford, Woking and Weybridge were among the first in the country to sign up to the voluntary code and the new accreditation means staff at all sites are proven to be committed to open, fair and responsible practices and can display the Motor Industry Code of Practice logo which is recognised by both Trading Standards and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
SMC Renault Service Director Tim Golding said all staff were proud to sign up to the scheme.
He said: “Any initiative like this can only help the industry as it will give motorists the confidence and trust in their dealership. At SMC, we’re delighted to receive the accreditation as it reflects the openness and honesty we have shown here since the dealership was started.”
Other clauses in the Code of Practice commit service and repair centres to carrying out work as agreed and to make sure final invoices match the original quote.
There is also a simple complaints procedure, free conciliation if there is a dispute, a free telephone advice line and the whole package gives consumers more rights than the law requires.
The
The coThe code is
26/11/2008 Renault`s New Mégane achieves highest ever score in EuroNCAP
With a score of 37 points out of 37 in its Euro NCAP crash tests, Renault’s New Mégane has achieved the joint highest-ever score, matching that of Qashqai, from sister company Nissan, last year.
New Mégane becomes the 11th Renault model to earn the top five-star rating, which is unsurprising given that safety is in its genes. As a fundamental part of the car, its active and passive safety levels were developed from the outset to deliver new standards in its class.
Renault and safety: a comprehensive approach
Across its entire range, Renault’s safety approach builds on accident research and real-world safety with the aim of producing vehicles adapted to the realities of the road. This means that it prioritises technologies that prevent the risk of accidents, correct abnormal driving situations, and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Over the years, Renault has emerged as the standard-setter in road safety:
Euro NCAP results for Renault: only manufacturer with top rating 11 times
New Mégane - 5 stars (2008)
Koleos - 5 stars (2008)
New Laguna - 5 stars (2007)
Clio III - 5 stars (2005)
Mégane II Coupé Cabriolet - 5 stars (2004), first five-star vehicle in its category
Modus - 5 stars (2004), the first five-star vehicle in its category
Scénic II - 5 stars (2003), the first five-star vehicle in the compact MPV segment
Espace IV - 5 stars (2003)
Mégane II - 5 stars (2002), the first five-star vehicle in the C segment
Vel Satis - 5 stars (2002 and 2005)
Laguna II - 5 stars (2001 and 2003), first-ever vehicle to achieve this level
6/11/08 SMC HANDS OVER CHEQUE FOR £2,000 TO ITS PRIZE DRAW WINNER
Charles Beresford from Weybridge is the lucky winner of SMC Renault’s recent prize draw to win a £2,000 cheque.
Mr Beresford who runs Charles Beresford Design in Weybridge bought a Grand Scénic in October for use with his business. The purchase of the nearly-new car gave him entry into the draw to win the £2,000 which SMC offered to all customers at its four sites throughout the month of October.
His name was pulled out of the hat by SMC Managing Director James Kimber who presented Mr Beresford with his cheque.
Mr Beresford said: “I don’t usually have this sort of luck with competitions, so I am thrilled. I decided to go for a Grand Scénic as it’s got seven seats and enough capacity for the samples and literature I need to take to my customers in my work with Brightwood Windows and Conservatories which designs and manufactures conservatories, orangeries, windows and doors.
“As our work takes us all over Surrey, I was looking for something comfortable and stylish. We have bought Renaults for years and like them as they’re reliable, French and sexy!”
In an interesting twist, Mr Beresford received his cheque shortly after handing over another for £5,400 to the Sam Beare Hospice raised by the Wider World Group at St. James Church, Weybridge.
SMC Managing Director James Kimber added: “Congratulations to Charles whose name came out of the hat from all the entrants at the end of the month. We’re delighted that the £2,000 has gone to a loyal Renault customer and hope it helps with the family’s Christmas shopping!”

07/11/08 New Winter Offers At St Johns Service Centre
Is your car ready for winter yet? That’s a question you should be asking yourself and here at SMC we have already thought about that and we are ready and waiting for you.
Our parts departments are full of de-icer, anti-freeze and windscreen washer fluid that won’t freeze up until –10 degrees celsius.
Our St Johns service centre also has some very special winter offers including, a Free Winter Safety check on you vehicle to ensure you’re your car is in tip top condition for winter, Free brake pads when you buy a pair of discs and we fit them*, Oil and Filter change from only £39.99*, Anti Freeze change £34.99* and many other seasonal offers.
They have an excellent selection of tyres off the shelf at prices that are the most competitive on the high street*.
Call Iseult or one of her team on 0845-125 4674 and they will be more than happy to help you with your inquiry or click here for more information.
*All prices include parts and labour and vat, for brake pad and tyre offer contact us with the details of your vehicle and we will be able give you an idividual competitive quotation.

15/07/2008 SMC`S SPORTING OFFER FOR TWINGO EARLY BIRDS
Surrey motorists are being offered the chance to put their driving skills to the test thanks to a sporting new offer from SMC.
Customers who place an early order of the latest Renaultsport model, the exciting Twingo Renaultsport 133, will receive a free track day voucher.
The newest, and smallest, Renaultsport hot hatch to date is now available to order from SMC located in Guildford, Woking and Weybridge. Priced at just £11,550 on the road, the Twingo Renaultsport 133 forms the entry point into the Renaultsport range and combines unbeatable driving pleasure with fantastic value.
SMC customers who order in the first 133 days of ordering will receive a voucher for a Renaultsport track day in 2009, which offers the chance to experience their new Twingo 133 to the limit in a safe environment at a number of the country`s top motor racing circuits including Brands Hatch and Bedford Autodrome.
Both on and off the track, drivers will be able to experience the Twingo`s feisty performance which is delivered from a free-revving 1.6-litre engine developing 133hp. In addition, it features a specific Renaultsport-tuned chassis and steering as well as larger 16" alloy wheels than found on the popular Twingo GT.
Drivers will also have a choice of five colours including the new and unique Mirage Grey and optional extras such as a Cup chassis with 17" wheels.
Keith Wheeler, Sales Director at SMC, said: "With fantastic performance and excellent value for money, the Twingo Renaultsport 133 is a great addition to the popular Renaultsport range and this unique track day offer means customers will be able to experience this for themselves in a safe and controlled environment."
Twingo Renaultsport 133 is officially launched in September. The trackday voucher can be redeemed at any of the following circuits: Brands Hatch, Bedford Autodrome CadwellPark and Oulton Park.

18/06/2008 FATHERS ENJOY DAY OUT AT RACING VENUE
Getting up close to an ING Renault Formula One racecar proved to be the Father’s Day treat of choice when customers from SMC Weybridge took part in a special summer driving event.
The “Ride and Drive” took place at Kempton Racecourse and allowed youngsters to invite their dads to experience a slice of Formula One action before putting cars from Renault’s road-going range to the test.
During the two-day event which took place over the Father’s Day weekend, guests were able to test drive the Renault range including the much-loved Clio, Mégane, Laguna and Twingo models, before being given a free entry ticket to nearby Hampton Court.
As well as the racer, guests got to see the Clio Sport Tourer, as well as Renault’s first-ever 4x4 crossover the Koleos, with visitors among the first in the UK to experience its off-road capabilities at the hands of a qualified driver.
While adults enjoyed testing the cars and experiencing the “Dynamic Drive” where a professional driver demonstrated the safety equipment on a Mégane Renaultsport 225, children were kept entertained with a “Tales from the Glovebox” storytelling corner and a colouring competition.
David Goodman of Hersham was one of the lucky dads who took his children to the event.
David said: “I already have a Grand Scénic, but like it so much that I am looking to get another one or an Espace at some point in the near future.
“The children had a brilliant day out and enjoyed everything from the simulator to the ING Renault F1 Team goody bags!”
Hasan Uctas, whose family looked at the Koleos and Grand Scénic added: “It was good to experience the Koleos off-road – it looks good and is very comfortable.
“We really enjoyed ourselves and were pleased with all the added activities that made it a really nice family day out.”
19/12/0 NEW RENAULT LAGUNA ACHIEVES ONE OF HIGHEST EVER EURO NCAP CRASH TEST SCORES
Laguna II was the first vehicle to ever achieve a five-star rating in the passive safety assessment tests carried out by the independent body, Euro NCAP. It was a result that took the car into a new era. Today, it’s the turn of New Laguna to achieve the same maximum five-star rating. With a total of 36 points from a possible 37, one of the highest scores ever recorded in the tests, the newcomer even outperformed its predecessor to once again highlight Renault`s expertise in the realm of passive safety. In addition to its Euro NCAP credentials, New Laguna delivers reassuring handling thanks to its precise, responsive chassis, while at the same time ensuring a level of braking and technology that puts it at the top end of its category in real-life motoring conditions.

14/12/07 UNIVERSITY OF SURREY STUDENT UNION STRIKES A GREAT DEAL WITH SMC
11/10/2007 SMC TV IS NOW AVAILABLE NOW ON THIS WEBSITE
That`s right where you see this logo you can now view video. Look at the safety pages and see how the cutting edge systems that make our some of the safest available in the market. Click Here to see more.
12/09/06 THOUSANDS SEEKING INFORMATION ON NEW CHILD SEATS LAW
Thousands of parents are contacting the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for information on the new child car seat law which comes into force on Monday (Sept 18).
The number of visitors to RoSPA’s special website - www.childcarseats.org.uk - set up to help parents with queries about car restraints has been growing rapidly in recent weeks. About 5,000 people a day are currently logging on to the site – five times the number a year ago.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: “The interest has been phenomenal. It does show that people are aware that changes are on the way and they need to be prepared for them.
“A lot do seem to be leaving things until the last minute and we urge them to ensure they have the correct seats for their children’s size and for their car.
“The law makes it compulsory for children to use child car seats or booster seats.
“In the past, most children in cars have only had to be in an appropriate child restraint ‘if available’. That loophole will disappear on Monday (Sept 18), and children under 12 will not be able to wear an ordinary seatbelt in a car until they are over 4ft 5in (1.35m), with very few exceptions.”
He said many parents still did not put their children in any form of restraint in cars and it was hoped the new law would help to solve that problem. The Government estimates that if people comply with the changes, the legislation could save about 2,000 injuries a year among children on Britain’s roads.
Those who ignore the law face a £30 fixed penalty notice or £500 fine if the case goes to court.
“But it shouldn’t take the threat of punishment to ensure children are as safe as possible in cars,” Kevin Clinton said. “Adult seatbelts are designed for adults and not children and will not offer the same protection as a child car seat or booster seat or cushion. Parents should see this as a piece of positive legislation designed to reduce the likelihood or severity of injuries in a crash.”
Also on September 18, new regulations will be introduced requiring coach, bus and minibus passengers over 13-years-old to wear seatbelts where fitted.

09/02/06 RENAULT COMMITMENT 2009
Today President and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn announced "Renault Commitment 2009," a growth plan whose ambition is to make and sustain Renault as the most profitable European volume car company.
Renault makes three major commitments:
- Position the next Laguna, which will be launched in 2007, among the top three models in its segment in terms of product and service quality; - Achieve an operating profit margin of 6% in 2009; - Sell an additional 800,000 units in 2009 as compared to 2005.
"A new, exciting page in the history of Renault is being written, based on the motivation and dedication of the women and men of our company," said Mr. Ghosn.
An unprecedented product offensive in Renault history
Renault will launch 26 new products better focused on the needs and aspirations of its customers. The strength of the product plan will lead to an unprecedented acceleration of vehicle launches: in addition to the two launched in 2006, Renault will launch an average of eight models each year from 2007 to 2009, which is double the number launched from 1998 to 2005. Half of these cars will expand the lineup.
The product offensive will result in widening the lineup in four directions: - Renewing the pillars of the existing lineup – the Megane family, Twingo, Kangoo and Master; - Developing a luxury range: with five vehicles launched during the plan, Renault will double the volume of its sales in this segment1; - Entering new segments where Renault is currently not present, such as SUVs, 4x4s, crossovers and niche vehicles. - Developing products to support growth in markets outside Europe, such as with the Logan program.
Renault’s sales outside Europe are expected to grow from 27% of total sales in 2005 to 37% in 2009, an increase of 80%.
The average age of Renault products sold in Europe will drop from 3.8 years in 2005 to 2.2 years in 2009.
The enrichment of Renault’s offer is expected to increase sales by an additional 800,000 units in 2009 compared to 2005.
16/01/2006 SMC launch SMC Accident Management
SMC Renault are now offering customers an Accident Management Service. This service takes care of the whole process, from dealing with any insurance claims to carrying out all repair work. We ensure that you get back on the road with the minimum of hassle and inconvenience. For more details click here
|