New Vel Satis: Travel Business Class

The daring and modern lines of Vel Satis have gently evolved with New Vel Satis. The cabin has gained in functionality and elegance. Inside, quality materials and the blending of upholsteries surround each passenger with comfort and refinement. Many of the features already fitted to Vel Satis, such as the parking aid system, the xenon headlamps and the navigation system, have been further developed. The existing range of engines and transmissions is retained, but with more power and torque for the 2.0 Turbo engine and a particulate filter for the 2.2 dCi engine. On sale in France from April 8, 2005, New Vel Satis illustrates the priority allocated by Renault to safety and quality.



Respect for the environment
From design through to recycling, New Vel Satis is in step with Renault's approach to sustainable development. Some 95% of its total weight can be recycled. Its manufacture includes parts made from recycled and recovered materials. New Vel Satis is made in a production facility which has gained ISO 14001 certification, aimed at reducing environmental impact: the limitation of polluting emissions, of packing materials, of energy and water consumption ...

In 2001 Renault received the French "Golden Decibel" award for its achievements in reducing noise emissions from Vel Satis (71dB compared with the 74dB specified by current standards). Similar measures have since been applied to other models in the range.

A range of services for an ever more privileged relationship
In addition to the car itself, every Vel Satis owner benefits from top-range treatment personalized according to his or her expectations and needs
(according to country). Top-range service is built into the price of the vehicle. It includes a 24 month/100,000km guarantee, and the loan of a replacement vehicle in the event of damage repair or during routine servicing.

Positioning and marketing
When introducing Vel Satis in March 2002, Renault undertook an ambitious objective: to replace its top-range saloon with one of unusual proportions, and to establish Renault's corporate image within the segment. This launch took place within the highly competitive E-segment, mainly occupied by the specialized - and notably, German - manufacturers. The car was immediately characterized by its exceptional qualities in the area of safety. It achieved a maximum 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2002 and thus became the safest model in the top-range segment. This considerable advantage in terms of safety, as well as the comfort and the level of equipment offered by Vel Satis, was especially valued by the car's owners. Within the highly competitive context of the E-segment, to which has been added the strong advance of the SUV, Vel Satis has achieved 42,000 sales since its introduction. In Western Europe Renault, with its two top-range models, Vel Satis and Espace, has achieved a 5.9% market share, thus gaining first place among the volume manufacturers in this segment. In 2004, 60% of all Vel Satis sales were in France. In Western Europe, Germany, Spain and Holland were the principal export markets. The proportion of high-range versions (Privilège and Initiale) remains high (65% of sales in 2004). Made, like the preceding version, in the Sandouville factory, New Vel Satis benefits from sharing a common platform with the Espace and New Laguna, which has allowed the necessary industrial investment for this model to be kept below €10 million.

Refined exterior design
The new front design incorporates a new grille with chromed strakes, the headlamps, and a redesigned lower air intake. The rear section of the car becomes lighter and more dynamic, with two visible exhaust pipes and crystal-treated rear lamp clusters. The door handles are now chrome-finished on all versions. Two new types of alloy wheel make their appearance, in 17-inch
and 18-inch sizes, as well as two new body colours, Marron glacé brown and platinum grey.

Inside, high quality materials, space, comfort and light
The dashboard has been given a more streamlined shape, with some of its parts satin-finished. The instrument dials and needles evoke the world of watchmaking; the wood trim strips are in bird's-eye maple, and the inlays in alder: an unusual combination which expresses discreet luxury, New cloth upholstery (dark charcoal or light grey) and leather (very dark charcoal or tobacco beige) make their appearance. For additional functionality, the centre console separates the driving controls from those concerned with comfort. The interior lighting has been completely redesigned. The overhead light, which progressively dims to extinction, uses opal glass and satinized chrome. It emphasizes the welcoming nature of the cabin. The reading lamps complement the central overhead light whenever the doors are opened.

On board New Vel Satis, the idea of a "high class saloon" is given full rein. With 13cm more headroom than the average in this segment, accessibility and interior space remain unequalled, and the seat comfort exceptional. The front seats, power operated and heated, consist of three sections, each of which may be separately adjusted. The driver's seat adjusts over a wide range (6cm in height) and its settings can be memorized. Together with a steering wheel adjustable for both height and reach, this allows the driving position to be very finely adjusted. Much attention has been paid to the ergonomics, notably with the installation of the controls for the new Carminat Navigation and Communication system in the
centre console, within easy reach of the driver who can still continue to concentrate on driving.

About Renault
Renault is an international automaker that has acquired a global reach through its Alliance with Nissan and acquisitions of Romanian car manufacturer, Dacia, and South Korea's Samsung Motors. Renault pursues a strategy of profitable and responsible growth with its innovative, quality range of vehicles and services. For nearly 50 years, Renault has made safety a pillar of its strategy. Today it boasts the safest line-up in Europe -- it has seven cars with five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Worldwide, Renault employs 132,000 people. It sold 2,490,000 vehicles in 2004, recording revenues of 40.7 billion Euros and a net income of 3.5 billion Euros.

www.renault.com

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