Wessex Garages has announced it will be joining the Renault and Dacia franchise with the opening of a new hi-tech dealership in Newport.

The company will open a purpose-built 3,831 square foot Renault and Dacia showroom in August, alongside its Kia, Fiat and Hyundai sites at Newport Retail Park.

The showroom, which is among some of the first in the country to offer the Renault Store Retail concept, is divided into zones, making it easier for customers to learn about the range. These include the ‘Passion Zone’ displaying key models, ‘ZE Zone’, which focuses on Renault’s zero emissions product line and the ‘Sport Zone’, highlighting Renault’s expertise in auto racing. An interactive ‘Configurator Wall’ will introduce customers to the full range of colour possibilities.

A workshop, complete with ramps, is also on site.

Wessex Garages will also be stocking the brand’s full range of vans and electric vehicles and there will be a new electric charge point for customers enhancing the M4 corridor for electric charging.

Managing director of Wessex Garages Keith Brock (pictured, left) said: “It is an exciting time not only for Renault and Dacia but for us too as we have seen sales across all of our dealerships increase over the past 12 months.

“We already have a fantastic reputation as a dealer of Nissan, Kia, Fiat, Hyundai, Alfa Romeo and Abarth so we feel it is the right time to introduce and give Renault and Dacia a home with Wessex.

“Our new £500,000 refurbed, hi-tech dealership will look absolutely fantastic, it will be modern and fully interactive, catering to customer’s needs and enhancing their experience. People will be able to watch videos about the cars and services available and can make use of a digital lounge, including free Wi-Fi, to help them select the perfect new car for them. It will be a relaxed environment where customers can make their own choices.

“As with all of our other brands, our new dealership will fit with our three pillars ‘trust, transparency and value’ and will offer customers a wide range of vehicles and services. We will start trading at the new nine car showroom in August, which will help create around 10 to 12 jobs in the area, which is great news for local people. The showroom will officially open in October with a VIP launch.”

Sales director at Renault Group UK Darren Payne said: “Expanding our dealer network is a key part of our GO5+ strategy for sustainable growth. This is an exciting time for Renault Group in the UK with our sales this year again growing significantly ahead of the market growth as our outstanding range of Renault and Dacia vehicles continues to find favour with many new customers to both brands.”

Renault and Dacia models will also be included in Wessex’s already established Motability scheme, offering customers a wider range to choose from.

Wessex Garages is a privately owned company that has outlets in Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport. It specialises in new and used car sales across South Wales and the South West.