Janola Gustafsson, Renault :
“The Twizy can become the new Renault icon”
As are all volume car producers in Europe, Renault is entering 2012 with some prudence, although the French car manufacturer believes that the fleet client is ready to adopt the electric vehicle offer. Janola Gustafson, who was appointed Director Corporate Sales for Europe in August this year sees the future of Renault as a professional challenge.
“Renault is one of the leaders in the volume production of cars in Europe and we are the absolute leader when it comes to commercial vehicles. As our competitors and the market are continuously challenging us, we have to challenge ourselves within Renault to do always better and to remain a leader. But this is a good thing, for Renault, for the market and for our customers.”
How do you see 2011. Was it a satisfying fleet year for Renault?
J. Gustafson: “I don’t have the exact figures, but it’s clear that 2011 wasn’t the easiest automotive year. We are in a difficult situation in Europe, and in some countries and regions we are more affected than in others. When it comes to fleet business, we are in line with our 2011 forecast. So there was no major impact of the economic and financial situation on overall fleet sales, as the light losses in some countries could be covered by higher fleet shares in other markets. If we look globally, we even expect a record year in terms of sales.”
Can we expect fleet growth opportunities for Europe in 2012?
J. Gustafson: “It all depends on the definition of Europe. All indications tell us that the so called ‘old’ European market will decrease next year. If we can obtain the sales level of 2011, we can speak of a good fleet year.”
What ambitions do you have as new Corporate Sales Director of Renault Group?
J. Gustafson: “The fleet business is a people business where strong relations are necessary to achieve successful results over a period of time. I’m leading a team of some 10 International Key Account Managers who are working first of all with our international accounts. Along with this they are supporting the local fleet growth in the countries as they give advice to the more than 100 local Key Account Managers. This is a second important element to obtain global fleet success.”
Don’t you think that price and cost elements are more important than relationships in periods of economic certainty?
J. Gustafson: “The base for a successful business is a good relationship, but there is more. We have to offer the right products at the right price with a reliable after sales service to sustain the business relations that we have created. But Renault has always proved to be a leader in this respect and I’m sure we will keep doing that in the future.”
Along with Renault, you have the low cost Dacia brand in your portfolio. Can Dacia become a bigger fleet brand in the future?
J. Gustafson: “A low cost brand can certainly play an important role in fleet business. But I see this as complementary to the Renault brand and success depends on customer needs, but there are opportunities for a brand like Dacia to grow in fleet sales.”
What is for you the most iconic Renault?
J. Gustafson: “I’m Swedish and perhaps I look a little different at cars, but for me it is the Renault 4. This car was created in the beginning of the ’60 and was a huge success because of its unique design and its polyvalence as it was launched as a family car but also as a commercial vehicle and so it has had an influence on the start of fleet business. Today I’m really looking forward to the Renault Twizy. It can grow into a new icon because it is a practical mix of an urban scooter and a electric car at a reasonable price that answers the future mobility needs of many youngsters.”
In the January issue of Fleet Europe, you can also read Janola Gustafson's point of view on the electric mobility. If you want to order the Fleet Europe magazine, please click here.
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