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| The luxurious Vel Satis is as odd as cars come. Are their enough eccentrics in this country that would be willing to dish out the money for such an outlandish design statement? |
But even if we accept the French company back on principle, would we buy its products? The Mégane II is a wonderful design, that is, if you like modern art. The same can be said for the luxurious Vel Satis. If you gravitate toward more conservative cars, like the majority of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buying Canadians, then either avant-garde sedan would be a hard sell. Yet a model like the Laguna should go over well, as would the tiny Clio, especially in V6 form. The Espace minivan? It's a natural.
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| It's safe to say that the more conservative Laguna would find a few more homes than its radical siblings, but competing against Volvo and VW in this market, not to mention any Japanese or domestic brands, would be arduous to say the least. |
Of course by the time Renault decides to return to Canada and the U.S. it will have an entirely new lineup of domestic (European) cars and vans to choose from, most likely developed with our very different market in mind. As well, by this time there will be two generations of virgin Renault customers who won't be burdened by unresolved dealership issues, disturbing memories of the company's shoddy parts supply or any old feelings of corporate resentment. Targeting Canada's youthful market, with their shorter memories and more daring personal taste buds would probably be their best bet if they want the French company to have a fighting chance in the competitive North American market. Hopefully if and when Renault does return they'll stick around for the long haul.