Renault returning? French carmaker could sell cars in NZ again

It is coming up on two years since French carmaker Renault last sold passenger cars in New Zealand, with the marque quietly shifting to a line-up of exclusively commercial vehicles in mid-2024. 

The marque’s local line-up has since further shrunken to just one single commercial nameplate. But, the brand isn’t pulling up stumps just yet. In fact, it could be positioning itself for a comeback of sorts. 

The local Renault website currently displays just the one model at the time of writing — the Master (available in either minibus or van format). The smaller Trafic and Kangoo are no longer listed for sale. 

A spokesperson for the brand confirmed to CarExpert NZ that Renault is conducting a “full review” of its local range — pondering not just commercial vehicles, but a potential return to the passenger vehicle market. 

“At the moment, we’re working through a full review of the Renault range, both passenger and light commercial, to understand what makes the most sense for the New Zealand market going forward,” the spokesperson said. 

“Several global Renault models are currently between product updates, so we’re factoring that into our planning as well. Because of all that, we’re not quite ready to confirm future line‑ups just yet.” 

Prior to its 2024 exit, Renault offered numerous passenger-car models locally, ranging from the Megane and Zoe EV to its Arkana and Koleos SUVs. The marque had also been evaluating the fully electric Megane E-Tech on roads in Auckland, in preparation for launch. 

Amid the freshly elected National Government’s looming plans to axe of the Clean Car Discount, Renault poured ice on any plans to launch the E-Tech at the end of 2023, before hitting pause on all of its passenger nameplates several months later. 

Across the ditch, Renault offers five different passenger car models; the Scenic E-Tech, Megane E-Tech, Koleos, Duster, and Arkana. It also offers three commercial models; the Kangoo (in both ICE and EV form), Traffic, and Master. 

A big hurdle that could threaten a Renault return is the way the motoring market has proliferated in the two short years since it stopped selling passenger vehicles. 

Numerous marques from China have entered the market in the time since, including Dongfeng, BAIC, Leapmotor, and others. Conversely, another European brand with similar market position to Renault — Opel — departed from the market earlier this month.