Renault opens Melbourne-based tech centre

RENAULT has opened a new training centre at its Melbourne headquarters where technicians from its 48-strong dealer network will enhance their skills as the French car-maker continues to expand in Australia.

Known as the Renault Academy, the hi-tech centre includes a pair of 3.3-tonne scissor lifts, a 4.4t scissor lift and a 4t two-post lift, eight work bays with exhaust extraction systems, and the latest 3D wheel aligner.

As well as two training rooms and a car wash bay, the Mulgrave tech centre also has six Clip diagnostic scan tools, specialist tooling, an engine and transmission repair room, and a Renault ZE battery repair room for the small fleet of electrified Kangoo vans currently on trial in Australia.

At this stage the facility will be used by Australian technicians only.

Renault senior vice-president of the Asia-Pacific region Gilles Normand was in Australia last week to open the new facility, and told GoAuto that it was an important step in the company’s growth Down Under.

“We want to secure appropriate capability from our dealer network,” he said.

“We have a very strong intention to train at least 120 technicians a year to make them state-of-the-art technicians.

“Some of them will be level one – the highest level of technical skills we have in the Renault family, which is a multi-year training program. So it means that we want Australia to invest in human power and human skill to make sure that our dealer network is (servicing) properly our customers.”

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the new facility represents “the next phase in what is an exciting time” for the French brand.

“Our new facility represents an exciting opportunity for us as it will give us the ability to enhance development of accessories for the local market, and further develop our already successful technical training program,” he said.

“As we grow our network we are continually looking for ways to maximise our network’s knowledge and expertise. This is the perfect example of that.”

Renault’s Australian dealer network has grown to 48 outlets and is set to tip over to 50 before the end of the year.

The French car-maker has seen exponential sales growth in recent years, rising from just 1907 sales in 2010 to break through the 10,000-unit barrier last year with 10,014 LCV and passenger-car sales.