Evans Halshaw’s Edinburgh West showroom has become the first Groupe Renault franchise in the UK to adopt the new Renault Store exterior design philosophy.

The new corporate identity comes two years after the start of an interior change to the French brand’s corporate identity and should be rolled out across the 160-strong network over the next 18 months.

Around 90% of Groupe Renault dealerships have already implemented the Renault Store design concept interior look and a Renault spokesman told AM that each element will cost franchisees an average £80,000 to implement.

Commenting on Evans Halshaw’s make-over of Evans Halshaw Edinburgh West Adrian Healy, dealer principal, said: “It’s an exciting time for Evans Halshaw to be part of Renault history.

“With a successful model range and young product line-up it’s the perfect time to be making this investment in the dealership.

“Our staff and customers are excited to experience the new Renault Store concept design and we know it will help us attract customers, both old and new“.

Nick Tame, sales director, Groupe Renault UK, added: “It’s great to see this continued investment in Renault from our franchise partners.

“The completion of the first dealership exterior in the new Renault Store concept signals the last phase of a series of changes Renault has undertaken over the last few years.

“With other changes happening inside the dealerships, in our structure and most importantly with our car design.”

The change sees the previous white exterior gone and a new, elegant black woven metal design in its place.

The area directly outside the showroom acts as an outdoor retailing space with bespoke vehicle displays showcasing the range.

Individual display areas are lit at night to show off models 24/7.

Dedicated handover bays have also been put in place to help enhance the customer experience.

Renault said that the new corporate identity for the exterior of its showrooms made use of “more innovative materials and flair shown in design”,  adding that “the changes to the dealership premises are designed to mirror the design transformation that the Renault and Dacia model range has been on over the last few years”

“The range offers more personality than ever before and emphasising this differentiating character in the retail environment is key to attracting both current and new customers alike.”