During a webcast press briefing Renault Group Country Operations Director Paddy Magee called for the Government to reduce VRT this July to aid the industry and the consumer in response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the Irish motor industry.
Paddy proposed a short term VRT reduction on new and used vehicles for the month of July, the second key registration period in the sales calendar. In July last year the new car market was at 25,000 units with average VRT per vehicle at €5,500 and average VAT at €4,500. If car sales continued the trend in March, the market could be down 60% this July due to the current situation, so, according to Paddy.
“A VRT reduction of say €3,000 in July ( 55% of the average VRT on new vehicles) would see the customer getting something back, reduce CO2 levels across the current carparc, and the process would work from a Revenue level, with the tax take for the Government increased,” he explained.
He believes that the motor Industry wants to be part of the solution for the future, but solutions can only be found through partnership between the Government and the industry.
“The Government and SIMI worked well together on the recent NOx taxes and I have no doubt we can do even more together, but it will take REAL change. The short term VRT reduction is the motor trade saying that we can support in the current climate but only if this proactive approach is taken. This short-term incentive is needed to protect the industry from dramatic job losses and to give customers support.”
Renault has also released a real and transparent offer for 202 that will support customers’ financial needs as they return to employment, delivering real value and real savings. It has been, and continues to be, a difficult few months for the country, and the motor industry is weathering its own crisis, but with the important 202 period around the corner Renault Group has launched a real offer with real deferral periods and no penalties for personal and business customers looking to buy a new car or van.
Renault’s 202 Buy Now, Pay Later 3+2+1 Offer is valid on all current stock across the Renault car range and includes:
- 3 Months Deferred Payments – monthly repayments remain the same after this period.
- 02% APR (saving customers €2,500 on interest payments compared to high street banks)
- €1,000 Cashback
- This offer is available on the 100% electric Renault ZOE, All-New Clio, All-New Captur, KADJAR, Mégane, Scenic and Koleos models.
- This offer applies to all orders taken from 1st May to 31st July and registered on or before the 31st July 2020.
Renault’s real payment deferral offer is also applicable on selected RENAULT SELECTION used cars at Renault dealerships. Customers can Buy Now, Pay Later on 191 and 192 models and this offer includes:
- 3 Months Deferred Payments
- 4 Years Warranty + 4 Years Roadside Assistance
- 3% APR HP over 3 years
- 2 Years’ Servicing
On the award-winning Dacia range, the brand is continuing with a ‘shockingly affordable’ offer for 202 registration plates on the Duster SUV, compact Sandero, Sandero Stepway SUV and Logan MCV:
Buy Now, Pay Later offer for Dacia models includes:
- 3 Months Deferred Payments
- 9% APR
- Once restrictions lift there will be a 48-hour test-drive campaign for Duster
- This offer is available on all orders taken from 1st May to 31st July and registered by 31st July 2020 on current stock only.
Renault’s network of dealerships will be implementing strict new guidelines for customers and staff when restrictions are lifted to give assurance and confidence to customers visiting a Renault or Dacia dealership. These in-depth guidelines include hand sanitising areas, number of customer entries to dealerships restricted, a “Drop & Go” key process for aftersales customers arriving for scheduled service, strict service scheduling for customers to minimise busy periods and also appointment only servicing. Customer test drives will be unaccompanied; cars will be sanitised on delivery and when dropped back and customers to receive personalised sales videos to help reduce visits.
“We are in very unusual and uncertain times with the COVID-19 crisis affecting each and every one of us in a different way. The market is down understandably, and we are entering a difficult economic period globally and at home, which will impact us all. 202 is the second key selling period for us and we have to rise to the challenge and keep on motoring hence our VRT reduction proposal for July, and a real and transparent customer offer. We want to assure customers that our new deferred payments are real with no penalties after the three months and offering real savings so that they can be back on the road when restrictions are lifted and business resumes again. Our network is ready to work with customers on their individual needs for 202, be it business or consumer, and we believe this offer is market leading and transparent to help customers make their decisions easier in tough times,” concluded Paddy.