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In the short space of time since its launch at the end of 2002, the Mégane II
programme has already reached landmark production figures of one million, with
Mégane Hatch. This success has been achieved after only twenty months on the
market. As early as 2003, Mégane II had already exceeded programme targets by
becoming the biggest selling car in Western Europe.
At the close of 2002, Mégane II Hatchback and Sport Hatch paved the way for
the renewal of Renault's offer in the C segment, the largest segment of the
European passenger car market in volume terms. Now, with Mégane Hatchback, the
Mégane II programme has reached the landmark one million barrier. This has been
attained in just twenty months since the market launch of the first model in the
Mégane II range.
By way of comparison, Mégane I took 24 months to reach the same one million
landmark. In total, almost 4.7 million Mégane I units were sold over a period of
seven years.
Voted “Car of the Year 2003”, Mégane II has been acclaimed from the outset
for its distinctive design, dynamic ride and handling and best-in-class safety
features. As early as 2003, Mégane, including Scénic, became the top-selling
model in Western Europe, with 4.2% of market share. Mégane has sustained its
position as leader into the first four months of 2004, with penetration of 4.7%.
A significant contributing factor has been the roll-out of seven different body
versions in only 18 months:
Mégane Hatchback and Sport Hatch, launched at the end of 2002, were followed
by Scénic, Mégane Sport Saloon (Sedan), Sport Tourer and Coupé-Cabriolet in
2003, then Grand Scénic launched at the beginning of 2004. Mégane Renault Sport
is the latest model to complete the range.
Based on a single platform – the Renault-Nissan Alliance's C platform – the
various Mégane models are manufactured in three plants around the world:
Palencia (Spain) for Mégane Hatchback, Sport Hatch and Sport Saloon, Douai
(France) for Scénic, Grand Scénic, Mégane Hatchback and Coupé-Cabriolet, and
Bursa (Turkey) for Mégane Sport Saloon (Sedan).
In Australia, Renault currently sells the Mégane Hatchback, Sport Hatch and
Sedan. Renault will release the Scenic, Coupe-Cabriolet and Megane Renault Sport
hatch in Australia later this year.
The Mégane II programme has been acclaimed for its safety features: Mégane
Hatchback and Scénic are two of the five models in the Renault range to have
been awarded 5 stars in the Euro-NCAP crash tests.
With its place right at the heart of the Renault range, Mégane can look
forward to many future developments that will reinforce its status as the
favourite car of Europeans. Let's look forward to the next installment of an
ongoing success story...
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