PRESS KIT November 8 2012
DACIA GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH WITH NEW LOGAN, SANDERO AND SANDERO STEPWAY
For the first time, Dacia is renewing its emblematic models:
New Dacia Logan, an affordable family car with a smart, sleek silhouette New Dacia Sandero, a spacious yet compact model offering cabin space for five at an attractive price New Dacia Sandero Stepway, an affordable crossover with personality
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The Dacia brand is building on its values of generosity, simplicity, reliability, for a sensible purchase. With New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, it offers more and better, for the same price in most countries.
Dacia answers with even more generosity to customer expectations. The three new Dacia models boast a robust, status-enhancing design, playing on the keynotes of elegance for New Logan, appeal for New Sandero and personality for New Sandero Stepway. Comfort gets a boost, with equipment brought in from Lodgy and Dokker, such as the Media Nav multimedia system, and cruise control (a first in the Dacia line-up) with speed limiter. Drivability takes a significant step forward too, with power steering on all versions, Euro 5 compliance, and optimized soundproofing.
Buying a Dacia makes more sense than ever. Economy during use is insured by the arrival of the new TCe 90 petrol engine, and upgrades to the diesel units, which increase driving pleasure and decrease fuel consumption. Dacias are designed to be as spacious as models from higher segments. New Dacia Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway even have a 60/40 split- folding rear seat (standard on New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, and version dependent for New Logan). At the purchase stage also, all three newcomers are even more competitive than their predecessors.
Dacia further enhances peace of mind on the road. Safety is enhanced on New Dacia Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, with side airbags and ESC on all models in Euro 5. Dacia’s tried and tested reliability is greater than ever. And Dacia’s dealer network servicing policy means an end to unpleasant maintenance surprises.
The order books for New Dacia Sandero and New Sandero Stepway opened late September 2012 in Europe. New Dacia Logan is released in November in Romania. Launch schedules for all three new models will rapidly extend across Dacia markets in Europe and the Mediterranean Rim.
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CONTENTS
GENEROSITY, PLAIN AND SIMPLE...... 4
Dacia’s new hallmark design ...... 4 New equipment, functional and useful...... 9 Enhancements to drivability...... 11
THE WISE CHOICE ...... 13
Engines: better price/performance ratio ...... 13 Life on board: legendary space for the price ...... 16 More affordable than ever ...... 18
PEACE OF MIND ...... 20
Enhanced safety...... 20 Rugged reliability ...... 22 A trustworthy dealer network ...... 24
THE DACIA SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES...... 25 DACIA ATTITUDE...... 26 DACIA STORE...... 26
3 GENEROSITY, PLAIN AND SIMPLE
Dacia keeps pace with shifting customer expectations in today’s changing world. New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway belong to the new generation of Dacia vehicles that started with Lodgy. Attractive design goes hand in hand with modern features, proving that pleasure is anything but futile; it’s essential.
Dacia’s new hallmark design
New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway sport Dacia’s new visual identity evocative of the high vehicle quality, associated with each of the brand’s latest models.
Distinctive exterior design
“The harmonious frontal design features a centerpiece Dacia badge set in the radiator grille. The large headlamps and wide grille make for an expressive appearance. With its large ratio of metal to glazed surfaces, the profile exudes robustness, and this impression is reinforced by the sculpted body, the prominent wheel arches and the hollow flanks. The pronounced advance in the lower windscreen makes for a sleek silhouette and improved aerodynamics.“ David Durand, entry range design director
Dacia’s new style identity emphasizes the impressions of quality and strength. All of the new models share the new visual identity, with a strong play on Dacia’s characteristic robustness.
Brand identity is even more prominent in the latest Dacia models, thanks to their latest style features. Whereas family resemblance between the first-generation models was only hinted at, it is now very pronounced between New Logan and the New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway.
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New Logan, an elegant family sedan
In styling and attention to detail, New Logan boasts design befitting of an upper mid-range model. New Logan is more elegant, while keeping the kind of classic looks that proved so successful with its predecessor.
Exterior styling is more dynamic, as exemplified by the new radiator grille and headlamps that form part of Dacia’s new visual identity. The sleek body lines flow round to culminate in a smoother rear profile. The smart new silhouette overtly suggests the exceptionally roomy interior. The large boot is clearly accessible, with a lid harmoniously framed between the new rear lamps.
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New Sandero, a high-appeal compact hatchback
In its youthful new format, Dacia’s five-door hatchback asserts its no-nonsense aspirations afresh. It is styled to highlight the versatility of a vehicle that is eminently compact on the outside (1,733 mm wide by 4,058 mm long, overall). Dependability and practicality come in a modern, dynamic package that exudes appeal.
New Logan and New Sandero get attractive new Empreinte 15” alloy wheels, and the top-end versions also come with 15” Groomy trims, for an even more dynamic look. Two new metallic body colors make their appearance on New Logan and New Sandero: contemporary Persian Blue and classical Ash Beige.
“Empreinte” wheel Persian Blue Ashed Beige “Groomy” trim
Navy Blue Ice White Platinium Grey Fire Red Pearled Black
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New Sandero Stepway, an affordable crossover with personality
New Sandero Stepway is more than a mere variant of New Sandero, and was designed from the outset with its own individual personality. Sure, it carries in all the functionality of New Sandero. But then it adds its own statement of rugged independence, to address motorists who are looking at the crossover segment in their quest for a vehicle with a distinctive character. New Sandero Stepway is ready for adventure, with ground clearance 40 mm higher than Sandero in Western Europe (or 26 mm higher in countries with reinforced suspensions, such as Romania).
The tough personality of New Sandero Stepway stands out in the new front and special bodywork features: front and rear skidplates, new two-tone bumpers and radiator grille, foglamps, wide wheel arches, specific new 16” trims, longitudinal roof rails, and exclusive Azurite Blue metallic paint.
The adventurous spirit shines through in the New Sandero Stepway interior too, which features special upholstery with grey stitch highlights.
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Attractive interior design
As well as boasting a beefier exterior, New Sandero Stepway also gets a boost in quality inside, with styling, ergonomics and attention to detail heralding in a new sense of comfort.
The Dacia design team gave prominent place to materials and thick shapes. On all three new models we find a modern dark carbon or two-tone dashboard (depending on model and version) with chrome instrument surrounds. On some trims, air vent surrounds, steering wheel badge and gearshift insert are also picked out in chrome. The central console has a color border (depending on trim) matching the handles and steering wheel insert.
The new dashboard features comprehensive instrumentation, with (depending on the version) displays of outside temperature, time, indicator differentiated direction, alongside with displays of instantaneous and average fuel consumption, range in liters and kilometers, distance since last fill-up, and distance till the next service.
The controls are more functional and more accessible, starting with those for the air conditioning and electric wing mirrors. The steering wheel and driver’s seat are height-adjustable (depending on version), and there’s a wide footrest area and a central armrest (on option with some versions).
New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway get a range of flattering new upholsteries, including one in leather, along with leather gearshift knob and steering wheel cover (1), on option with some versions.
(1) Leather – Seat back, bottom, headrest and side reinforcements in leather (pigmented corrected grain, bovine leather).
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New equipment, functional and useful
“As comprehensive modern equipment extends to more and more second-hand cars on the road, we can expect a rise in customer expectations, especially as regards comfort. All three of our new vehicles offer the features recently launched on Lodgy, or go further still, as with cruise control.” David Holderbach, entry range product director
Dacia makes no compromises on its philosophy: all new equipment is functional, simple and 100% useful.
Media Nav, a complete multimedia system
Media Nav first appeared on Dacia Lodgy and Dokker, and is also featured on Dacia’s three new models. The system is highly intuitive and easy to use. The large 7” color touchscreen opens on a Menu page from which you navigate naturally through the various functions.
Media Nav includes radio and Bluetooth ® technology for hands-free phone capabilities and for playing music in audio streaming mode. Personal mobile devices connect to the front-panel USB or jack, and are controlled directly from the touchscreen (or from the steering wheel controls for USB devices). Information is displayed on the screen.
Media Nav also includes satnav, with 2D and 3D (Birdview) displays. Customers can update or enhance Media Nav content, with maps for example. To add or update content, you just download it onto a USB stick from the website https://dacia.Naviextras.com , then plug the USB stick into the Media Nav system and follow the instructions on the screen.
Media Nav Dacia Plug&Radio
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Or Dacia Plug&Radio, the essential multimedia system
New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway offer an easy-to-use and highly effective multimedia solution. Dacia Plug&Radio features a screen forming part of the centre console, large enough for a three-line information read-out. The system includes radio, MP3-compatible CD player, and front-panel-mounted USB and jack sockets. Dacia Plug&Radio is controlled from the steering wheel and also supports Bluetooth ® technology, meaning you can phone without taking your hands off the wheel, synchronize your phonebook and log, and play music from a mobile device directly through the vehicle loudspeakers.
Cruise control with speed limiter
Cruise control is available on New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, alongside the speed limiter (depending on the version). Both functions, and the speed, are operated from a button on the steering wheel.
Rear parking sensors
Rear parking sensors are available on some trim levels for all three models. Sensors in the rear bumper trigger an audible signal that warns the driver of an obstacle behind the car. This function switches on automatically when reverse gear is selected.
Wide range of accessories
Dacia offers a wide range of practical accessories such as protective side strips, mats, headrest hanger and boot net. For weekends and holidays, there’s a top box, ski rack, tow hook, bike rack and ice box. Then there are customization items including striping, exclusive wheels and foglamps trims.
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Enhancements to drivability
Dacia’s three new models build upon what is already a great reputation for drivability.
Power steering across the range
Power steering is now a standard feature on all versions of New Logan and New Sandero with Euro 5 engines, and continues on New Sandero Stepway, making driving comfort affordable from entry level.
Improved acoustics
Designers gave special attention to acoustics on New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway. The surface area of soundproofing components has been increased and the padding quality improved, in engine compartment and windscreen areas. This substantially reduces engine noise in the passenger compartment. In addition, new injectors reduce diesel engine running noise. Airflow noise is reduced by additional aerodynamic sealing in the doorways. And certain superstructure parts have been reinforced to avoid unpleasant resonance effects.
The result is an all-round quieter traveling environment. And music sounds better thanks to new signal processing electronics that enhance sound reproduction and listening pleasure.
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Performance on the rise
New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway gain in agility.
The power steering response has been adjusted. To improve trajectory control at higher speeds, the steering power is automatically trimmed back on large curves. And to improve maneuverability, when parking for example, power is increased for wide turn angles.
The three models get the multiplexing that Dacia introduced with Lodgy. This opens the way to new dynamic functions such as traction control and emergency brake assist. It also brings new convenience functions such as temperature display, multimedia systems and rear park sensors.
Dacia vehicles are designed from the outset for international markets. These include emerging countries where specifications are particularly demanding given the diversity of road surfaces encountered. New Logan and New Sandero therefore have excellent ground clearance and underbody protection, capable of standing up to the toughest road conditions. New Sandero Stepway has an even higher clearance, to comfortably tackle track conditions.
All three models are built on the B0 platform common to all Dacia vehicles, which enjoys best- in-class recognition for suspension quality and roadholding.
12 THE WISE CHOICE
Buying Dacia is more than ever a wise choice. The economy/performance ratio is even better, the price/habitability ratio still is unequalled and prices remain as low as before.
Engines: better price/performance ratio
“For the first time, Dacia is offering a Diesel engine – the new-generation 1.5 dCi – that brings (2) fuel consumption down below the threshold of 4 liters per 100 kilometers and CO 2 emissions down below 100 grams per kilometer (2) ; alongside a petrol engine – the new TCe 90 – that consumes 5 liters per 100 kilometers (3).” Philippe Prevel, entry range technical director
New petrol engine: TCe 90, sobriety and drivability
On New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway Dacia is introducing the brand new TCe 90 Euro 5 three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, a figurehead of Renault group powertrain excellence. Lively and responsive, this “Turbo Control efficiency” engine of 0.9 l unit (898 cc) marks tremendous progress in technology and downsizing (which means matching engine size closely to demand). It offers smooth acceleration, using very-low-inertia turbocharger and variable valve timing technologies to deliver 66 kW (90 hp) at 5,250 rpm. Its torque of 135 Nm is available from low revs (90 % from 1,650 rpm).
The TCe 90 is in every way a featherweight champion, weighing 15 kg less than a classic engine of equivalent power. It combines drivability, fuel economy (5 l per 100 km (3) on New (3) Logan and New Sandero), and low CO 2 emissions: 116 g per km on New Logan and New Sandero.
(2) Fuel consumption and CO 2 emission figures certified under applicable regulations. (3) Fuel consumption and CO 2 emission figures under final approval.
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Fuel consumption (mixed cycle) with the TCe 90 is more than 1.5 l per 100 km (2) lower than with its predecessors, the 1.6 MPI 85 on New Logan and New Sandero, and the 1.6 16v 105 E85 in petrol mode on New Sandero Stepway. That makes for an additional range of 200 km (2), up to more than 900 km (2) for all three new models. An impressive performance. Significantly, the TCe 90 enjoys low maintenance costs with improvements such as the timing chain system, which is maintenance-free and has the same lifespan as the engine.
New generation of 1.5 dCi: even more economical and ecology-friendly
The 1.5 dCi is the Renault group’s best seller, widely renowned for reliability, performance and low environmental impact. A recent upgrade brings further optimization; with its more efficient injection and turbocharger systems, the new-generation unit develops additional torque of 20 Nm, meaning enhanced drivability and energy efficiency.
Drivability starts with highly creditable acceleration figures. All three new Dacias are available with a 1.5 dCi engine, rated at 66 kW (90 hp) for Euro 5 and 85 hp for Euro 4. The 1.5 dCi Euro 5 also exists in a 55 kW (75 hp) version on New Logan and Sandero. Torque is well-matched to the power rating of each engine version: 200 Nm at 1,750 rpm for the 75 hp and 85 hp versions, and 220 Nm at 1,750 rpm for the 90 hp version. This means the 1.5 dCi responds briskly from very low revs, and minimizes the need for repeated gear changes in urban driving conditions.
This is achieved with fuel consumption figures among the lowest in this vehicle segment, and (2) correspondingly low environmental impact. The Euro 5 1.5 dCi emits just 99 g of CO 2 per km, for consumption of 3.8 l(2) per 100 km on New Logan and New Sandero (mixed cycle), taking vehicle range beyond 1,300 km. On New Sandero Stepway, the 90 hp 1.5 dCi should achieve consumption and emission figures 13 % lower than the previous-generation unit. The Euro 4 1.5 dCi 85 engine remains economical.
(2) Fuel consumption and CO 2 emission figures certified under applicable regulations.
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Versatile entry-level engines
The 1.2 16v 75 engine, available on New Dacia Logan and New Sandero, is economical to buy and to run, and offers versatile performance under city and open-road driving conditions. This 1,149 cc unit develops peak power of 55 kW (75 hp). (3) The Euro 5 1.2 16v 75 engine consumes 5.8 l per 100 km , for a CO 2 emission of 135 g per km (3). The Euro 4 version of the 1.2 16v 75 engine is new to the Dacia range. Consumption and emissions will be lower than for precedent unit.
Dacia continues to promote LPG as an economical alternative to diesel. In some countries, the 1.2 16v 75 engine is available in a two-fuel petrol-LPG version, giving lower running costs and (2) CO 2 emissions (120 g per km in LPG mode). Maintenance of the 1.2 16v 75 LPG Euro 5 engine is simplified, with valve timing adjustments not required before 120,000 km, as on other engines.
The 1.6 MPI 80 Euro 4 engine, available in some countries on the three new models, offers an excellent compromise between drivability —the engine delivers 60 kW (80 hp)— and consumption.
Reduced consumption with Eco Mode
The new Eco Mode function, available on some engines, enables drivers to optimize fuel consumption automatically, correcting energy-wasting driving parameters to achieve greater economy.
Eco Mode adjusts engine operation and air conditioning, within limits that remain acceptable to driver and passengers.
The Eco Mode function can reduce fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions by as much as 10 %, depending on usual driving styles and road conditions.
Eco Mode is selected by pressing a pushbutton on the dashboard, and switched off using the same button, or by a frank push on the accelerator pedal.
Another fuel economy aid, on all versions of New Dacia Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, is the gear-change indication provided by an upward or downward arrow display.
(2) Fuel consumption and CO 2 emission figures certified under applicable regulations. (3) Fuel consumption and CO 2 emission figures under final approval.
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Life on board: legendary space for the price
New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway are as roomy as ever, as spacious as models from a higher category.
At the front, all three new models have a best-in-class shoulder width of 1,387 mm. And the elbow radius of 1,417 mm is unbeaten in the new Logan segment. Shoulder and elbow room at the rear is also best in class: 1,389 mm and 1,434 mm respectively on New Logan, and 1,393 mm and 1,436 mm respectively on New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway. All three models seat three adult passengers comfortably at the rear (or fit three child seats).
The cabin has been improved to offer more stowage space, starting with a cubby on the dash panel, and new compartments in the rear doors (holding a 0.5 l bottle), in addition to the front door pockets (holding a 1.5 l bottle).
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New Logan: space to spare
New Logan remains a true family car, delivering full comfort and practicality for five adults.
As well as offering excellent shoulder and elbow width, front and rear, New Logan is equally generous with hip width (1,285 mm) and knee radius (177 mm), again unsurpassed in this vehicle category. That’s a real feat when you consider this is also Europe’s least expensive car in this category. The boot volume of 510 dm 3 VDA in standard position is unbeatable in this segment. And loading is comfortable, thanks to a wide opening (869 mm) and an appropriate loading height (754 mm). New to this Logan, on some versions, is a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway: affordable and generous
New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway share Dacia’s inherent qualities of roominess and loading capacity.
The new models excel in practicality and versatility. The boot measures a record-breaking 320 dm 3 VDA. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat is now available on all versions of New Sandero, as well as on New Sandero Stepway. With the rear seat completely folded down, the maximum loading capacity reaches 1,200 dm 3 VDA.
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More affordable than ever
“For the same price, Dacia is offering more and better, in terms of design, equipment and engines. Dacia’s three new flagship models enhance its competitive standing on its markets. The customer is the first to benefit.” Eric Pasquier, entry range sales & marketing director
Competitive performance of a no-frills approach
Dacia is introducing many new features as standard, some of them across the whole range, such as the asymmetrical fold-down rear seat on New Sandero, daytime running lights on all three new models in all countries, power steering, ESC, and front side airbags on all three new models in Euro 5.
And Dacia is making these enhancements with no price rise in most countries: for example, New Logan is still priced at an affordable € 7,700 in France, and New Sandero at € 7,900.
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A straightforward offering
The new equipment and engines are fielded across a simple, straightforward product range that offers a close, no-nonsense match to actual customer expectations.
New Logan and New Sandero are available in up to three trim levels (depending on the country), each offering a limited number of options: the range starts with plain “Logan” or “Sandero”, the mid-range level is named “ Ambiance”, and the top-end level “ Lauréate”.
To address a broader customer base, New Sandero Stepway is now available in two trim levels instead of one previously. The entry version, “Ambiance” has the same equipment as the Ambiance version of New Sandero. The top-end version, “Prestige” is richly equipped, with the Media Nav multimedia system, air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, and reversing radar. The new range structure for New Sandero Stepway makes it more affordable on most markets. In France, customers can buy into this unique crossover style for as little as € 10,590 for a TCe 90 petrol engine version, or € 12,290 for diesel, down from € 12,600 previously.
Attractively priced options
The new options are priced 20 % to 50 % lower than for rival models. Cruise control with speed limiter sells at € 150 in France, just € 30 more than the speed limiter alone, already highly affordable, available for Lodgy and Dokker. The rear parking sensors, Dacia Plug&Radio and Media Nav options enjoy the same unbeatable prices as on Lodgy and Dokker. The satnav system, for example, is priced at just € 240 in France.
19 PEACE OF MIND
Buy Dacia brings peace of mind on the road, with uncompromising safety, renowned reliability and straightforward maintenance.
Enhanced safety
Active safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) appears as a standard feature on all Euro 5 versions of Dacia’s three new models, compliant with European regulations. This system ensures vehicle stability under difficult conditions such as obstacle avoidance, low grip round bends, and slippery road surfaces.
The ABS anti-lock braking system now comes with emergency brake assist, which switches in to apply maximum brake pressure automatically when emergency braking conditions are detected. Maximum pressure is applied from the onset of braking and remains until the ABS trigger threshold is reached.
For improved visibility round-the-clock, daylight headlamps are standard on all models in all countries.
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Passive safety
New Dacia Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway reap the full benefit of Renault group engineering to offer all vehicle occupants maximum protection.
All three new models have driver and passenger airbags plus side airbags at the front, in all trim Euro 5 versions.
The front seatbelts have load limiters calibrated to protect the thorax on impact. An audible and visual warning reminds drivers that the seatbelt is unfastened, on all versions in Europe.
New Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway have Isofix fasteners for child and baby seats in the outer rear seats at the rear, a new feature on New Logan.
All three body structures have reinforced programmed crumple zones. The shape, thickness and stiffness of the bumper and bonnet area are designed for improved impact absorption, in particular for pedestrian protection in the event of frontal impact.
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Rugged reliability
“Dacia’s product range is closely matched to motorists’ expectations. Reliability is a Dacia fundamental, central to the trust-based relationship we have with our customers.” Rafael Treguer, Dacia brand development director
The know-how and demanding requirements of the Renault group
Dacia benefits from the full breadth of Renault group know-how on quality. As a result of a wide-reaching program launched from 2003, the Renault group today ranks among the best volume carmakers for reliability. Just like Renault vehicles, all Dacias are tested under the most extreme conditions. In addition to the classic bench tests, new vehicles also undergo extreme tests under real-life conditions to check how they stand up to ageing. Dacia’s new cars have driven 1.4 million kilometers, with 90 % of the test vehicles undergoing tests on ruggedized tracks representing bad and flooded road surfaces.
Renault group carry-over also means Dacia vehicles reap the benefit of Renault’s tried and tested advanced technologies. For example, Dacia uses Renault group engines like the 1.5 dCi (a Renault-Nissan Alliance unit) and many parts initially developed for Renault vehicles.
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Dacia also implements Renault group and Alliance know-how in standards and processes. For example, the Design-to-Quality method is also applied to Dacia vehicles. This method is used to pinpoint any problems arising during each step of the vehicle or engine design process. It is based on an analysis of feedback on known parts, an in-depth risk examination and a strict validation plan for new parts.
The Renault Production Way is applied across all 38 Renault group production sites worldwide, including those making Dacia vehicles. The three models – New Dacia Logan, Sandero and Sandero Stepway – will be made at the Pitesti plant in Romania and at the SOMACA plant (Casablanca, Morocco) for the regional market (Morocco, Tunisia, etc.). Starting from the second half of 2013, New Dacia Sandero will also be made at the Tangiers plant in Morocco. All Renault group production facilities implement the same standards and meet the same quality requirements.
Recognized quality
Dacia boasts remarkable quality results, which bolsters customer trust.
The brand earned a podium position for reliability following a survey of 30,000 customers run by consumer unions in five countries (Belgium, France, Spain, Italy and Portugal) in February 2012. Moreover, according to the latest 2012 findings from ADAC, the authoritative European organization, the reliability of Dacia vehicles shows a steady rise over the last three years.
Dacia’s 3-year / 100,000-km warranty applies to all models in the range. It includes repair at any dealership in the Dacia dealer network, to the best standards using manufacturer’s original parts. The generous warranty extends the relationship between Dacia and its customers, and provides potential buyers with concrete proof of vehicle reliability.
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A trustworthy dealer network
Another aspect of peace of mind is the low running cost that comes from an economical servicing program and an available aftersales network.
Straightforward, economical maintenance
Dacia’s aftersales offerings are adapted to individual needs and ensure competitive maintenance and running costs. Quality servicing makes for long vehicle life and the best possible resale conditions. Dacia’s servicing policy is based on a single program, involving a visit every year or every 20,000 km. This applies to all models regardless of transmission and engine. In addition, several of the operations in the servicing schedule now have longer intervals, such as coolant replacement and distribution belt change for petrol models. Customers looking for maximum peace of mind can opt for an extended warranty of their desired scope and period, up to seven years. The Dacia aftersales network also offers a range of fixed-price services. Then there are Dacia maintenance packages covering the servicing schedule at a competitive monthly price (€13 per month in France). This enables customer to reduce the overall vehicle servicing cost and spread expenses across the whole vehicle ownership time. For customers who prefer to do their own oil changes, at an unbeatable price, there are Dacia Packs containing all the necessary items (oil, oil filter, tools, instructions). And for a few extra euros, this operation can even be carried out at a Dacia garage.
Customer service ethic
Dacia benefits from the expertise and dense geographical coverage of the Renault group dealer network. Of the 1,800 showrooms in the 36 countries covered by Dacia, 900 are exclusive to Dacia. Depending on the market, these include independent Dacia showrooms, Renault showrooms, or dedicated Dacia dealerships. The number of Dacia-specific showrooms is on the increase; by the end of 2012 there will be 60% more than at the start of 2010. The Dacia-specific salesforce is also on the increase, reaching 1,300 today and set for 1,400 by the end of 2012, which is twice the figure in early 2010. Dacia benefits from the know-how of the Renault group’s international training center to offer its salespeople effective specific training. According to a recurrent internal survey in ten countries, some 85% of Dacia customers recommend the Dacia network for buying a car.
24 THE DACIA SUCCESS STORY CONTINUES
Dacia brought upheaval to the established order by inventing a brand new automobile consumption mode. For the first time, customers on low budgets would no longer make do with a second-hand vehicle. Dacia would offer its unique vision in the motoring world, breaking the rigid formula that equated value with price tag.
With six new vehicles presented in 2012, the Dacia range is by far the most youthful in Europe. And the range has expanded very fast. When the MCV Estate is discontinued in early 2013, the oldest vehicle in the Dacia range will be Duster, which is less than three years old. Dacia is also Europe’s strongest-growing brand, enjoying an eight-fold increase in annual sales from 2005 to 2011. And two million Dacias have been sold by mid-2012, since 2004 in the 36 marketing countries.
“Logan, the first model made by Dacia as member of the Renault group, was released eight years ago, since when we have considerably extended the product lineup with new models. We are now entering a new cycle; for the first time, Dacia is releasing second-generation versions of its existing models. To make the design, fuel economy and equipment improvements behind New Logan, New Sandero and New Sandero Stepway, we have been largely guided by customer input. And we have taken great care to keep the qualities so appreciated by our customers: volume, reliability and, of course, price.” Arnaud Debœuf, entry program director
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DACIA ATTITUDE
Gatherings of thousands of Dacia owners are growing to ever more countries. Since 2005, when the first event was held in Holland, there have been regular Dacia Picnics in Holland, France (mainland and Guadeloupe), Spain, Poland and Austria. Meetings can take other forms too, as in Serbia, where the Guinness Book of Records reported “the longest line of moving Dacia cars”, in Switzerland, with the Dacia Raclette event, and in Morocco and Algeria, with entertainment-oriented Dacia events. What all the events have in common is a friendly family atmosphere, among Dacia owners who are proud to show off their affection for their choice of car.
DACIA STORE
Further proof of Dacia’s willingness to break the rules, in the customer’s interest, comes with the new e-store at which customers can actually buy their Dacia cars online. The Renault group is the first carmaker to engage in online shopping, and chose Dacia to make this important start. Online sales first saw the light in September 2011, in Italy, for certain special editions to begin with. The system was recently extended to cover the whole of the Dacia range in Italy, and customers in Holland have been able to buy Dacia cars online since early March. In the UK, which welcomes the Dacia brand from January in showrooms, Dacia Store is already operational: customers have been able to pre-order their Dusters online since June, and New Sandero went online just a few days ago, with initial deliveries to follow in early 2013.
November 2012 – Copyrights. Renault Presse contact : Frédéric Favre / Bruno Moreau : + 33 1 76 84 63 36. www.media.renault.com & www.renault.com
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