Personnel Articles , ,

RENAULT Australia is bringing its manic mid-engined V6-powered Megane Trophy II racecar out of retirement for use in a new incentive program for technicians and apprentices.

Currently used as a display piece at Renault’s new Melbourne headquarters, the lightweight (980kg) and powerful (260kW) Megane Trophy was last seen in action at the Australian Grand Prix in 2013, performing promotional duties with former F1 driver David Coulthard behind the wheel.

Renault Australia national service manager Mark Manns told GoAuto that the new program launched this month is designed to recognise and reward dealership technicians – “the unsung heroes” – for high levels of achievement, and to motivate them to improve their skills and work practices.

Hot promo: The muscular 3.5-litre mid-engined V6 Megane Trophy II had its last Aussie run in public at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, with former F1 driver David Coulthard behind the wheel.

Hot promo: The muscular 3.5-litre mid-engined V6 Megane Trophy II had its last Aussie run in public at the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, with former F1 driver David Coulthard behind the wheel.

The 15 winning technicians will be involved in hands-on preparation and maintenance of the Megane Trophy – developed for a now-defunct one-make ‘Eurocup’ racing series in Europe and built using carbon-fibre panels over a tubular steel frame – and have the chance to ride shotgun with a still-to-be-named racing driver on October 8 at the Phillip Island circuit.

Other activities on the day will include a ‘pit stop challenge’, F1 simulator and go-karting.

The program is open to all Renault technicians in Australia – about 130 at last count – and around 50 apprentices enrolled in the company’s official apprenticeship program, run in conjunction with the Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, which leaves those being trained by local TAFE-run courses ineligible.

Coulthard_with_megane_trophy_lower_image_3

Assessment is based on several criteria including a three-hour technical training test known as EVA, submission of product reports and the quality of technical helpline cases. The technicians earn points across these areas until the end of September, with the 15 top-scoring participants then eligible for the experience with the Megane Trophy II.

The left-hand-drive racing car uses a Nissan-sourced naturally aspirated 3.5-litre ‘V4Y’ V6 – as seen in the previous 350Z – and Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox. Two versions were built, the first from 2005-2008 (with 240kW) before this higher-output 260kW Series II version arrived in 2009, running until 2013.

The chassis and much of the running gear on this version was also used in the sleek 2012 Alpine A110-50 sportscar concept.

Coulthard_with_megane_trophy_lower_image_5

Renault Australia has invested heavily in dealer technician and apprentice education and training in recent years as its retail network has grown in conjunction with expanding vehicle sales.

This has culminated in the launch of the national ‘Renault Academy’ running out of Renault Australia’s new headquarters in Mulgrave, south-east of Melbourne, which will train more than 200 apprentices between now and 2020.

The Australian subsidiary of the French manufacturer last ran a technician incentive scheme in 2014, however the program was revamped “in line with Renault’s ‘people first’ business objectives”.

In a statement, Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said: “One of our most important priorities is to put our people first.

“Our network business partners are critical to our continued growth in the Australia market and this program is an important way to recognise the best technicians and apprentices that offer our customers the very best total care experience.”

By Terry Martin

renault_service_lower_image

Manheim
Manheim
Gumtree
Manheim
PitcherPartners
DealerCell
Gumtree
MotorOne
AdTorque Edge
Schmick