Environment minister goes electric for a week

Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, is driving an electric Renault Zoe ZE 40 during the course of his normal duties this week, writes Brian Byrne, including between Dáil Éireann and his constituency of Roscommon-Galway.

The Renault Zoe has the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle, which Renault estimates at up to 300km in real-world driving.

Linders Renault Turvey's first birthday celebration

Linders Renault and Dacia Turvey is celebrating its first birthday this Saturday 7 October with a Family Fun Day from 12pm to 3pm in its Turvey Avenue dealership, writes Trish Whelan.

A special guest on the day will be Linders Renault brand ambassador, Dublin GAA player, Man of the Match for the 2017 Football Final and Footballer of the Year, James McCarthy who will be on hand to sign jerseys and footballs and pose for pictures.

The legendary Sam Maguire Cup may even make an appearance for the celebrations!

One lucky fan from a local GAA club will also get the chance to become a GAA reporter for a day and interview James in front of a camera crew by sending a short video of themselves asking James a question to competitions@lindersrenault.ie before tomorrow, 5 October.

98FM will be joining in the fun on the day with pace painting and other goodies, and families can also enjoy tasty food and drinks.

Linders Turvey Dealer Principal John McSweeney is pictured above with James McCarthy. John says 'all are welcome'.

Renault sets up used car standard scheme

Renault Ireland has set up a used cars standard called Selection for Renault and Dacia secondhand cars, writes Brian Byrne.

Under the scheme, participating dealers will give a minimum two years warranty and two years' roadside assistance for models up to six years old.

There's also a guarantee that dealers will exchange a car which develops an irreparable fault for one of equal value, if returned within 30 days or 1,000km, under the programme.

A special financing rate from Renault Bank of 4.9pc APR on PCP or HP will be available under Selection for cars purchased up to 31 October.

Pictured is Brian Quinlan, Used Vehicle & Business Development Manager at Renault Ireland.

New Koleos launches in Ireland

Renault Ireland has launched a new generation Koleos large SUV at a starting price of €34,490, writes Brian Byrne.

Targeting the D segment large family car buyer, the Koleos is available in two grades, both with a high level of specification. The Irish distributor took a direct decision not to provide a de-specced entry level version.

Two diesel engines are available, a 130hp 1.6 and a 175hp 2.0, the latter with AWD and available with a CVT automatic transmission.

The new Koleos is only available with five seats, aiming to provide long-distance comfort for four or five people with adequate accommodation for their luggage needs.

The Koleos becomes the flagship in Renault's crossover/SUV models, beyond Captur and Kadjar.

More than 80pc of the units allocated for the remainder of this year, and though Renault Ireland won't reval their thoughts on numbers in a full year, they suggest that supply will be a more relevant issue than sales.

A full range of Renault's driver assist technologies are standard across the range, including advanced emergency braking, blind spot and lane departure warnings. Traffic sign recognition and overspeed prevention as well as hill start assist are also standard.

All versions also have parking sensors front and rear, and rear view camera. Satellite navigation and panoramic roof are also part of the overall package.

Options include a climate pack that features ventilated and heated front seats and heated rear seats. Hands-free parking is available, and a 13-speaker Bose sound system can be ordered.

Road tax ranges from €270 on the 1.6 versions to €570 on the 2.0 automatics.

The first generation Koleos was produced from 2007 until 2015, but only had a short sales life in Ireland and the UK, where the offering ceased in 2011. Built by Renault Samsung in South Korea, the car was on the same platform as the first generation Qashqai.

The latest Koleos is a completely new car, using the Renault CMF-CD architecture which also underpins the latest Nissan X-Trail and Renault Kadjar.

There has been very strong interest in the new Koleos, according to Renault Ireland country manager Paddy Magee, who related the story of one Co Kildare customer who traded up his Captur small SUV for a Koleos 'for his 80th birthday'.

At the Irish press launch for the car, Renault ambassador Rosemary Smith also told of her recent experience driving a Formula One car courtesy of the Renault Sport Formula One™ Team R.S.17.

"I arrived at the Paul Ricard racing circuit in Marseille to find about 50 officials, track marshalls, and Team Renault personnel all there," she recalled. "I remember thinking that there must be somebody special coming to the track that day … until I realised they were there for me."

The video produced about the 79-year-old former rally champion's foray into a Formula One car has already gone viral. It all came about when, in conversation with Paddy Magee about her high-speed racing and rallying career, she mentioned that one of the few sports cars she had never driven was a Formula One car.

That omission in the life of Ireland's legendary 'Fast Lady' has now been rectified. Her lifelong passion for 'driving fast, very fast', continues.

Renault Group moves to Top 3

Renault and Dacia has achieved a combined share of 9.7pc in the car and LCV market for the first half of 2017, taking the Renault Group to third position in the market, writes Trish Whelan.

The new Megane range sold 1,595 models since January bringing it into the top 10 and sales of the new design Renault Scenic (pictured above) and Grand Scenic have secured Renault the Number One position in the medium MPV segment. 

Renault Captur

The Captur maintained its lead as Ireland’s favourite compact SUV in the first half of the year.

Renault is the number two best-selling brand for LCVs for the month of June, and year-to-date achieved an increased market share of 12.8pc. Trafic, the best-selling medium van in Ireland, is also the overall best-selling van in Dublin.

It has been a busy six months for Renault in Ireland with the launch of the New Megane Grand Coupe and Megane Sport Tourer, the new Scenic and Grand Scenic in January and the launch of the new ZOE ZE 40 in May, which has the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle.

Arriving into dealerships nationwide this month is the New Renault KOLEOS SUV, (pictured above) the D-segment SUV, topping Renault’s crossover range alongside Captur and Kadjar and with a choice of two diesel engines mated to either X-Tronic automatic transmission, or a manual gearbox, and four-wheel drive. 

Renault Bank has lent €124 million to individual customers year-to-date (€102 million for Renault and €22 million for Dacia) with business customers borrowing €15.4 million. PCP remains the most popular choice with new car customers, with 64pc opting for this versus 36pc taking HP.

Anyone buying a new Dacia model can avail of 4.9pc APR with zero deposit through Dacia Bank on all new cars ordered and registered by 31 July.

LCV customers for Master, Trafic or Kangoo, can avail of 3pc APR HP Finance, 3 years’ servicing included and 3pc cash back for 172.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group said “The availability of finance through our own bank and our 28 Renault Group dealers who offer a range of services that customers don’t get elsewhere, played a key part in our success.

Renault gets on the Road with GAA legends

Renault Ireland will be on the road this summer for lively discussion on the GAA Championships at select dealerships around the country, writes Trish Whelan.

The panel will include Renault ambassadors former Kerry footballer and five time All-Ireland medal holder Marc O’Sé; former Dublin footballer and three times All-Ireland champ Alan Brogan; and Westmeath footballing legend and Sunday Game pundit Dessie Dolan.

Alan Brogan is pictured above with Renault Ireland Operations Manager Paddy Magee. 

Marc O Sé

The panel will be joined by local county GAA representatives and Marty Morrissey will act as the Master of Ceremonies.

Dessie Dolan

The first panel will take place at Donagh Hickey Motors in Rathmore, Co Kerry on Thursday 15 June from 7pm where refreshments will be served before the panel discussion begins.

Dates for Renault GAA panels are:

Thursday 15 June - Donagh Hickey Motors, Rathmore, Co Kerry
Thursday 29 June - JJ Burke’s, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo
Thursday 6 July - P&H Doyle Renault, Gorey, Co Wexford
Thursday 20 July - Blackstone Renault, Cavan
Thursday 27 July - Joe Mallon Motors, Portlaoise

Those interested in attending the Renault dealership events should contact their local dealership and reserve their seats.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager Renault Ireland says “We’re looking forward to some friendly rivalry and unique insights as the Championship season hots up!”

Marc O’Sé and Dessie Dolan both drive the New Renault Mégane Grand Coupé while Alan Brogan drives the New Mégane Hatch.

Renault Group’s 172 offers

Renault has announce its 172 offers on new models available to order now, writes Trish Whelan.

Available now across all 28 dealerships, the 172 offer through Renault Bank includes 3pc APR finance, 3 years’ servicing included and 3pc cashback. Cashback is a new addition for 712 which is based on the RRP of the car. The 3pc APR offer applies on PCP and HP across the Renault car range.

The 172 offer, exclusive to Renault Bank, applies to all orders taken from now until 31 July 2017 and registered on or before 31 July 2017.

The offer is also available for 171 registrations in May and June across the Renault range including Clio, the new Megane range which includes Megane Grand Coupe and Megane Sport Tourer; the new Scenic and Grand Scenic, and crossovers Kadjar and Captur which leads the B-SUV segment in Ireland.

On Renault’s LCV range, which includes Master, Trafic and Kangoo, customers can avail of 3pc APR HP Finance 3 years’ servicing included, and 3pc cashback for 172.

Renault also has a number of new models arriving in its dealerships including the ZOE ZE 40 fully electric car (pictured above), now available to order. ZOE ZE 40 has an NEDC range of 400km which Renault estimates as 300km of range in real-world driving. This battery is standard on the Dynamique Nav and top Signature Nav versions, at €27,490 and €29,990, with an offer of 9pc APR HP. ZOE, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, is available from €23,490 with a 22kW/h battery. These prices include SEAI grant (€5,000) and VRT relief. All ZOE pricing now includes the battery. The new Renault Koleos, expected here in July, is pictured below.

Dacia celebrates five years in Ireland this year and offers zero deposit and 4.9pc APR PCP with Dacia Bank for 172 across the range including Duster, Sandero, Stepway and Logan. The offer is also available for 171 registrations this month and in June.

Captur is revised

Renault has revised its best-selling Captur small crossover, giving it a more distinctive look, writes Brian Byrne.
 
Closer in style to the Kadjar and upcoming Koleos, the Captur now comes also with a higher quality interior as well as a new Signature S Nav range-topper grade.
 
The car retains the two-tone paintwork theme of the original and continues with the extensive personalisation possibilities.
 
More chrome details and skid plates front and rear emphasise the lines of the car, which was the best selling B-segment crossover in Europe last year.
 
Further connectivity is available, with the Captur now compatible with Android Auto.
 
Three petrol and two diesel powertrains are available to choose from.

Doireann becomes a Renault Brand Ambassador

Best known for her impressions of Ireland’s top bloggers and personalities, Doireann Garrihy has been announced as a Renault Ireland Brand Ambassador, writes Trish Whelan.

As the Entertainment Reporter for radio stations Spin 1038 and Spin South West, Doireann most recently took home the prize for Most Stylish Online Influencer at this year’s VIP Style Awards. 

She will be hitting the road in the New Renault Clio in an eye-catching exterior colour of Mars Red.

Doireann comes from a family of entertainers; her actor sister Aoibhin appeared on the Renault-sponsored Dancing with the Stars on RTE earlier this year, while her sister Ailbhe runs speech and drama classes and is also involved in marketing the family’s business.

Liz O’Gorman, Marketing Manager Renault Ireland wished Doireann safe and happy driving from all at Renault Ireland. Both are pictured above with the new Renault Clio.

ZOE EV says ‘bye bye’ to range anxiety

Concern over range anxiety has prevented many motorists, especially those who live outside urban areas, from buying an electric car, either as the sole family car, or as a second car, writes Trish Whelan. 

While Renault’s little electric city car, ZOE, is easy to charge, has zero emissions, lots of technology features, and some new colours, it’s what is under the car’s skin that has now changed so dramatically from the previous model. Fitted with the new Z.E. 40 battery, ZOE now offers double the driving range compared to when the model first went on sale in 2013. 

The new ZE 40 battery now provides the longest range of any mainstream electric vehicle of up to 400km (NEDC) which the Irish company estimates to be 300km of range in real-world driving. Renault says this removes the final psychological barrier that stands in the way of buying an electric car, which is the so-called ‘range anxiety’.

At yesterday’s press launch of the ZOE with the 40 battery, Jeremy Warnock, Product Manager, Renault Group Ireland, said what people really want to know is if the range will fit their everyday driving be they from urban or rural areas. 

He said: “This extended range means users no longer need to worry about charging their car as often and can put it to a wider variety of uses. Using mostly motorways, you are looking at a range of about 200kms.” Degenerative braking helps recharge the battery every time you brake, so ZOE is ideal for city driving in this regard. 

Versions are Expression Nav, Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav.

The car is now available from €23,490. This price includes SEAI grant (€5,000) and VRT relief is for the entry Expression Nav version, with a 22kW/h battery. Key specs include Climate Control, R-Link Navigation and the Chameleon Charger. The mid spec adds hands free card, 16-inch alloys and rear parking sensors. The new Signature version is mostly for customers looking for exclusive features and places the focus firmly on style and elegance. It can be specified in an exclusive Ytrium Grey finish and has 16-inch diamond-effect Shadow Black wheels, R-Link multimedia navigation, premium leather upholstery BOSE audio, heated front seats and lumbar support for the driver’s seat.

The ZE 40 battery is standard on the Dynamique Nav and Signature Nav versions, at €27,490 and €29,990. All prices now include the battery so there’s no additional expense of a battery lease.

ZOE can be charged quickly with the Renault-patented Chameleon smart charger which adapts to the different power levels available at charging points and takes 30 minutes to charge an extra 80km when the car is plugged into one of the many public charging points available across Ireland and Europe. Most owners will charge their car at home for the full 300km range. There are 1,200 public charging points currently located around Ireland, all controlled by the ESB, and 80 fast charging points positioned mostly on motorways. 

At yesterday’s press launch, we got to drive the car from The Radisson Hotel on the Stillorgan Road in Dublin, over an extended route taking in all sorts of roads including city suburbs, driving out the N7 as far as Rathcoole (where a group of schoolchildren excitedly pointed to the car recognising it as an electric car when they couldn’t hear the sound of the engine), then along some hilly routes above that village, before taking the road to Blessington and enjoying a lake drive from Lacken to Valleymount before moving to County Kildare and a part of the 448 towards Castledermot, exiting for the Athy Road at Ballitore and our destination, Burtown House for a press conference and lunch. A fair distance in all. I then drove the exact same car back to The Radisson when the trip computer showed 83kms of power left with 183.9kms done since the last full charge. So no, I experienced no range anxiety whatsoever. 

On the road, the R90 electric motor instantly delivers maximum torque of 225Nm producing brisk acceleration and pickup from low speeds. The car can accelerate from standstill to 50km/h, the normal speed limit on city roads, in just four seconds. 

There was little or no engine sound, and if you press a certain button on the dash, it becomes even quieter still. I found the car so easy to handle, it’s also extremely agile and can park in a pretty tiny space. I certainly enjoyed the drive and the whole ambience of the car’s interior which is a very comfy place to be in. There’s a good boot, but no spare. One thing to watch out for in all electric cars is to make sure the engine is turned off before you exit, as it’s easy to leave the car with the engine still on as there’s absolutely no sound.

There are more than 100,000 Renault electric vehicles currently in Europe, with more than one in four EVs a Renault, ZOE is Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle and has won won customer satisfaction awards. 

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group Ireland yesterday said it’s important to get people into the car to see it for themselves and ‘the ZE 40’s long range battery gives people real confidence, and makes the electric car a real option for more people than ever’. 

He said: “Renault is offering potential customers a 24-hour test drive programme which gives them the chance to experience this confidence for themselves. Ireland is ready for EVs thanks partly to the size of the country, but also the extensive public charging network - and new ZOE is the perfect car to make the most of this.”

Mr Magee is pictured below with the New ZOE.

Dessie Dolan is latest Renault ambassador

Former Westmeath footballer Dessie Dolan has been announced as the latest Renault Ireland ambassador.

The recently retired Dessie played for his county for over 16 years at senior level. A proud Athlone man, Dessie was awarded a GAA All-Star in 2004 and has represented Ireland on ten occasions against the Aussies in the International Rules Series. He holds the unique distinction of having received both a Leinster senior county medal and Leinster club medal, along with winning seven county championships with his club Garrycastle. He now features regularly on RTÉ's The Sunday Game as a GAA pundit and as an analyst and co-commentator for RTÉ Radio.

Dessie is now on the road in a new Renault Mégane Grand Coupé. He joins style expert Darren Kennedy, broadcaster Ian Dempsey, fashion icon Lorraine Keane, Ireland’s happiest ‘pear’ of twins, David and Stephen Flynn from The Happy Pear, triathlete Carolyn Hayes, fellow GAA legend Alan Brogan and former rally superstar Rosemary Smith as Renault Ireland brand ambassadors.

DEssie is pictured above with Renault Ireland Country Manager Patrick Magee.

Kearys Renault awarded Dealer of the Year

Kearys Renault in Cork was named as a Dealer of the Year at a presentation in Paris by Thierry Koskas, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Groupe Renault.

The Groupe made awards to the best dealers of its sales network where more than 2,500 dealers took part in the challenge across 35 countries.

There were only 106 winners of the 2016 DOTY awards and Kearys was the only Irish winner.

Kearys Renault on the Kinsale Roundabout in Cork is one of Ireland’s biggest Renault and Dacia dealerships. Over 80 employees work in Kearys Renault and they have many key sponsorships including Munster Rugby.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Group Ireland, congratulated Brendan Keary and the team at Kearys Renault. “Kearys are a credit to the Renault network in Ireland and are constantly looking at ways to improve the way they look after customers,” he said.

Pictured are Brendan Keary, Dealer Principal; Thierry Koskas, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Groupe Renault; and Brian Quinlan, Renault Ireland.

Renault donates New Megane to Pieta House

Renault Ireland recently handed over the key card to a brand new 171 Renault Megane Grand Coupe to Pieta House, writes Trish Whelan.

Pieta House was founded in 2006 and now has services and centres right across Ireland. It offers free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation, those who have been bereaved by suicide, and people who are engaging in self-harm. Staff are fully qualified and provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service.

Pieta House CEO Brian Higgins will make use of the Megane as he travels all over Ireland to visit the Pieta House centres, the latest of which is to open in Letterkenny in Co Donegal, by mid-May. The car is branded with the charity's logo and it will act as a 'vehicle' to raise awareness of Pieta House.

Renault Ireland's Country Operations Manager Patrick Magee, said the company 'is delighted to be in a position to lend its support to such a worthy charity as Pieta House and hopes the new Megane Grand Coupe will benefit the amazing work that they do'.

Pieta House has helped more than 28,000 people since its doors first opened 11 years ago.

Pictured above are Liz O'Gorman, Marketing Manager Renault Ireland; Brian Higgins Pieta House CEO; and Kevin Troy, Branch Director Renault Retail Group.

Renault partners St Patrick's Festival

Renault Ireland is partnering the St Patrick's Festival weekend in Dublin next week, writes Brian Byrne.

The company will be providing eight Renault Kadjar SUVs and three Master vans for use in both the parade and on other Festival duties.

Pictured are Karla Clifford, Brand Communications Manager, Renault Ireland; Rachel Lally and Soraia Freitas from Artastic; and Susan Kirby, CEO, St Patrick’s Festival; with one of the Festival themed green Kadjars.

Renault upshifts Captur for Geneva

Renault has substantially revised its Captur small SUV for showing at the Geneva Motor Show next week, writes Brian Byrne.

As the biggest selling model in its segment across Europe, it doesn't have much more to prove, but there's a more distinctive, even aggressive, front grille treatment.

The lights also get tweaking and the overall look is closer to big brother Kadjar. There are new 'skid plates' front and rear.

No less than seven interior personalisation packs will provide hours of discussion in the homes of potential buyers.

A fixed glass panoramic roof is available as an extra on upper trim levels.

Renault names new Alpine

Renault is to call its new Alpine sports car the A110, writes Brian Byrne.

With a somewhat retro look but sleekly modern in its execution, the A110 is aimed at carving out a section of the market currently dominated by the Audi TT and the Porsche 718 Cayman.

A110 is the name of a coupe which had a successful rally career in the 70s.

A 250ho 1.8 engine is being speculated on at the moment, with a 0-100km/h in the 4.5s region.

Selfless Kathy wins a 171 Renault Captur

Kathy Shine from Walkinstown in Dublin has won a Renault Captur worth €20,000 courtesy of a recent Late Late show competition, writes Trish Whelan.

She revealed how she prayed to her deceased mother in a bid to secure the new car for her brother Mike, who suffers from MS. Kathy won the car from 200,000 entries and wanted the car so she could sell it so that Mike could update his disability van. 

Speaking to show presenter Ryan Tubridy after the win on The Late Late, an emotional Kathy said “I was lying in bed last Friday night watching the show. I’d already sent in the coupon for the competition. You walked over to the drum with all the entries, and I said “Mum, I am begging you please let him pick out my card so I can give the car to Michael to update his disability van.” Her mother died 20 years ago but Kathy fells she is still there for her.

Ryan then ready out her name and address as the winner.

In an extra happy ending to the story, Renault gave Mike an extra €5,000 to help kit out his current van to make it suitable for his needs.

Karla Clifford, Renault Ireland Brand Communications Manager said “We were all delighted to see such a selfless and generous person winning the Renault Captur Giveaway. Renault Ireland wish Mike and Kathy the best of luck in the future.”

Pictured at the car handover were Conor Dixon and Kevin Troy, both of Renault Belgard, who said they were delighted to hand Kathy the keys to her brand new Renault Captur.

Core Youth Service on the road with Renault

Inchicore’s Core Youth Service have been handed the keys to a brand new 171 Renault Trafic 9-seater minibus by Renault Ireland in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation, to help get their new outdoor programmes on the road, writes Trish Whelan. 

Previously known as St Michael’s, the Core Youth Service was set up in 1986 in response to poverty, a lack of recreational opportunities and substance misuse in the youth population of St Michael’s estate and the larger Inchicore area in Dublin.

Conor Dixon, Renault Ireland, with Thomas McCarthy, Core Youth Service, and Niall McLoughlin, Irish Youth Foundation are pictured above handing over the keys to a new Trafic 9-seater minibus. 

The project’s aim was to provide youth interventions, activities, developmental groups and supports, as well as ongoing broader recreational and developmental activities for the wider youth population.

Pictured below: Carol Byrne, Core Youth Service; Karla Clifford, Renault Ireland, and teenagers who attend the Core Youth Service centre in Inchicore.

The brand new Renault Trafic minibus will contribute significantly to a new programme which encourages young people to travel outside of the area and will provide them with diversionary activities which are not centre-based, and are high in energy and adrenaline. This project also enables staff at the Core Youth Service to develop relationships with young people away from distractions in the community, and promotes alternative lifestyles and fitness.

Some of the children who attend the Core Youth Service are pictured below with Conor Dixon and Niall McLoughlin.

Renault teams with Irish Restaurant Awards 2017

Renault Ireland and The Restaurant Association of Ireland have announced Renault Ireland as the official car partner of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2017, writes Trish Whelan.

The Irish Restaurant Awards (RAI) will travel around the country driving new Renault models for a series of regional events this March to announce county and regional award winners across 15 different categories.

County winners will be announced at four regional events with over 600 guests expected to attend each. This year’s host counties for the events are Kilkenny, Fermanagh, Limerick and Sligo.

This year over 80,000 individual nominations were cast online from 11-25 January.

Pictured above are Ciara Doyle (Business Development & Sponsorship Manager, Restaurant Association of Ireland), and Liz O’Gorman (Marketing Manager Renault Ireland) with two chefs from The Radisson Blue St Helen’s, Stillorgan Road, Dublin.

Speaking on the quantity of nominations received, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins spoke of the phenomenal growth of the Awards which are now in their ninth year. He said these Awards ‘continue to showcase Ireland’s culinary talents and they continue to grow in terms of popularity’.

The New Renault Mégane Grand Coupé is a sleek saloon, ideal for high mileage travel around the country. It has a luxurious, stylish spacious interior with no compromise on exterior style with its signature LED lighting. The Grand Coupe also boasts an R-Link 2 -8.7 inch multi-media touch screen Nav system and Multisense technology to personalise driving style.

The New five-seater Scénic is the fourth generation of the model, and comes with 20-inch wheels as standard, an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen, Multisense technology which enables the driver to alter the driving setup and cabin ambience and One-Touch Folding rear seats which make it easier and quicker than ever to fold rear seats flat to transport larger items. All versions feature a class-leading array of active safety equipment as standard, including Active Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning.

Paddy Magee, Country Operations Manager of Renault Group Ireland, commented, “This is without doubt a prestigious event that showcases the home-grown talent that Ireland’s hospitality industry has to offer by acknowledging outstanding performers in the sector. The RAI awards team will travel around the country in unrivalled comfort and class in the All-New Renault Mégane Grand Coupé and All-New Renault Scénic range, two of our recently launched new models. The team at Renault Ireland wish all the nominees the best of luck over the coming months”.

Pictured below from right to left are: Liz O’Gorman, Renault Ireland; Katie Norris (RAI); Radisson Chef; Ciara Doyle (RAI); Radisson Chef; with Karla Clifford, Conor Dixon and Lynne Boucher, also from Renault Ireland.

Darren Kennedy is newest Renault Ireland Ambassador

A huge fan of all things French, including fashion, food, holidays and the language, it was only fitting that stylish Darren Kennedy has been announced as a brand ambassador for Renault Ireland, writes Trish Whelan.

Just back from the Paris Fashion Week Men, Darren is a regular visitor to France where he has both studied and worked. Last week, he picked up the key card to his brand new Renault Megane GT Line Nav.

Recently named by men’s style bible GQ as one of the Best Dressed Men at London Fashion Week, Darren also got the nod fromEsquire magazine as one of the UK’s top influencers of 2016.

He has fronted many successful TV series and documentaries, and has interviewed a large mix of household names including most recently Victoria and David Beckham, Chris O’Dowd, Emma Watson, Tommy Hilfiger, Ronaldo, David Gandy and Saoirse Ronan.

Outside of TV, he is an accomplished columnist and entrepreneur.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, Renault Ireland, says Darren is a great match for the Renault brand. “He’s always on the go, so the slick new Megane GT Nav suits his busy lifestyle. It’s a very stylish model and Darren himself is known for being top of the style lists, so it’s a perfect fit. We hope he has a safe and enjoyable driving experience in one of our latest and most stylish cars.”

On his new car, Darren comments that ‘it comes with great storage and cool tech stuff like R-Link 2 which can access my email, full navigation system, USB to connect to my iPhone and to listen to my music with a great sound system as well as Multisense to personalise the interior lighting’.

Darren joins broadcaster Ian Dempsey; fashion icon Lorraine Keane; twins David and Stephen Flynn from The Happy Pear; triathlete Carolyn Hayes; GAA’s Alan Brogan, and ex-rally superstar Rosemary Smith, as Renault Ireland Ambassadors.