The trendsetting Renault Scenic MPV, the uniquely styled Renault Megane and the cheeky little Clio have become very familiar sights on our roads, while the sprightly and versatile Renault Kangoo LCV has made significant inroads in the commercial sector of the market. Renault has proven its presence in the South African Motor Industry by its phenomenal growth and quality improvements.
Returning to the South African market in 1996 via the "blue chip" Imperial Holdings' Imperial Car Imports division (ICI), the Renault marque found quick acceptance amongst local vehicle buyers and initial sales targets were met well within set time frames. Indeed, within a few years Renault had once again become a force to be reckoned with in the South African market.
The Renault reputation for quality of product, superior driving experience and quality of service has also made Renault a sought-after franchise. While adhering strictly to its policy of never allowing growth to outstrip its ability to provide the required high standards of Renault after-sales service, Renault has grown its dealer representation from the original seven in 1996 to 56 serving all the main centres in the country. An industry survey naming Renault as amongst the best service providers bears proof of the high standards maintained.
The Renault model range covers a large sector of the market with the Renault Clio, New Clio 3, Megane Sedan, Megane Shake it!, Megane Sport, Laguna, Scenic and Espace passenger ranges and the Renault Kangoo and Traffic in the commercial sector. New model launches to the local market now follow shortly on the heels of their European launches and South Africans can look forward to seeing a number of brand new Renaults being brought to market every year as part of the Renault Commitment 2009.
Renault has become a world leader in vehicle safety. The stringent Euro NCAP crash testing programme has awarded maximum marks to a number of Renault models and so endorsing them as among the safest vehicles available in the world. (8 vehicles have already received the top 5 stars NCap rating)
The quality and the stature of Renault products brought to the local market are amply illustrated by the fact that the prestigious Car of the Year competition annually staged by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalist, in 2000 named the Clio as the winner of the competition. In 2004 the Renault Megane was again a front runner being named as one of the seven finalists, and the New Clio 3, 1.6 has just been awarded a finalist for 2007 Car of the Year.
Renault's commitment to South Africa is underwritten by the fact that in 2002 the company became the major shareholder in a joint venture with Imperial Holdings to establish Renault South Africa. (Renault holding 51% and Imperial Holdings 49%) Renault International has identified Africa and especially South Africa as a major future growth point for the automotive market.
"We have great confidence in South Africa and it is our intention to participate fully in the future growth of this country. We see our role as not only sharing in the growth of the automotive market here, but also sharing and assisting in the upliftment of this society that has so much potential. South Africa is earmarked to play a significant role in our company's global plan for a successful future," says Mr Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault SA.
On January 1, 2008, Xavier Gobille was appointed as Renault South Africa's Managing Director.
With a 73% increase in the local automotive market between 2003 and 2006 South Africa is considered an important market for Renault’s worldwide growth and Mr Gobille’s appointment coincides with the French group’s recent announcement that production of the Renault Sandero will start at their Alliance partner’s Rosslyn plant in early 2009.
“South Africa has long been earmarked to play a significant role in Renault’s global plan and our decision to invest in local production clearly underscores our commitment to and confidence in South Africa,” said Gobille. “There are very exciting times ahead for Renault South Africa and I have great expectations for the year ahead.”
Xavier Gobille was born on 2 July 1963. He grew up and studied in France. He is a graduate of the ESSEC (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) France, this degree is the equivalent of an MBA and the CNAM degree in Mechanics (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers). Technical engineer as well as a Master of Economics and Business Management, he completed the Stanford Executive Program at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business in the USA.
In 1983 Mr Gobille began his career with Renault France in the maintenance department at the Le Mans factory, France. For 5 years, from 1990 he headed up the Project for Quality for the automatic gearbox division thereafter promoted to Incidentology Manager in the After Sales Department in 1996.
In 1999 he came to South Africa and was responsible for establishing the After-Sales department, its processes and structures for 2002, when Renault South Africa was created. Xavier Gobille operated as Vice President for After-Sales until 2003, when he was promoted to Vice President - Marketing, Sales, Network & After-Sales at Renault SA. He remained in South Africa until August 2004, when he was appointed as Vice President - Service Engineering and Warranty Department in France.
Always passionate about sport and mechanics since his youth, Xavier Gobille was a “Young Renault Driver” in the French Formula Renault Championship in 1987. |
