Bonus: Autocar meets Renault Chief Marketing Officer Arnaud Belloni
About this episode
Renault's Chief Marketing Officer, Arnaud Belloni, discusses the brand's innovative approach to urban retail with the launch of the new R< concept store in London. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with city dwellers and adapting to the evolving automotive landscape, particularly with electric vehicles. Belloni shares insights on Renault's transformation into a more fashionable and premium brand while maintaining its mainstream appeal. He also reflects on the significance of storytelling in marketing and how Renault aims to attract new customers while nurturing brand loyalty.
Step inside Renault’s bold reinvention with this episode of the Autocar Meets podcast. Deputy editor Felix Page rides through London with Renault’s Chief Marketing Officer, Arnaud Belloni, to uncover how the brand is reshaping its identity for a new era.
From the launch of Renault’s striking new concept stores – including a new Battersea site – to the revival of legends like the 4, 5, and Twingo, Belloni explains why Renault is leaning into storytelling, design, and emotion to connect with customers. He reveals how the brand is returning to city centres with smaller, lifestyle-focused showrooms, merging cars with cafés, lounges, and curated merchandise to build a brand 'touchpoint' that serves as far more than mere a sales channel.
Belloni also reflects on Renault’s evolution since the ‘80s when it was a 'nobody brand', the unique bond the brand has with UK buyers, and why authenticity drives respect in today’s market. And in a fascinating discussion on merchandise, he shares why Renault is following the lead of global lifestyle brands, turning icons like the Renault 5 into not just cars, but experiences you can wear, play, and live with - including £4000 table football sets.
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Renault Twingo
"... to launch all our iconic cars like the four, the Twingo, even the Megan, which is quite short and the sce..."
Renault ZOE
"... than the others because Renault had launched the Zoe and acquired a lot of experience. But we know th..."
Buick Century
"10 plus 5? 10 in the last century, 5 in the modern age. Okay, so tell me a little ..."
Renault Megane E-Tech
"And now it's not anymore the case. When you see Megane 220, when you see a moment 300 hp, or when you se..."
Land Rover Range Rover
"...n Jack, the Queen, the King, James Bond, Bavavou, Range Rover. I think we used to call this Brit Pop."
Volkswagen Beetle
"...tered Volkswagen in 2000, they were launching the Beetle and the phenomenon was really strong at the begin..."
5 Renault 5
"...ou were telling me all that, which was where the Renault 5 was named a car of the year earlier this year. S..."
Alpine A110
"So I've got one... Personally, I've got one LP, A110, I've got 105 that I bought myself, always my mon..."
Porsche Panamera
"...I don't think he has all the collection to arrive Panamera. He has the 911."
Porsche 911
"...ll the collection to arrive Panamera. He has the 911. He has the icon."
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