Designer – 5 to 8 yrs exp

Hendy and Renault partner to deliver mobile fleet servicing. * 10 April 2026 * 0 * Natalie Middleton Hendy Group has teamed up with Renault UK to launch a dedicated mobile fleet servicing solution. The mobile van provides onsite maintenance and repairs for Renault and Dacia vehicles in Brighton and Eastbourne, helping local businesses reduce downtime and keep their fleets moving. And the launch marks the start of a partnership that may see additional mobile workshops introduced across the south coast. Equipped with state-of-the art equipment and manufacturer-approved parts, the van brings the workshop direct to fleets. Expert Hendy technicians provide a comprehensive suite of aftersales services - from routine maintenance and minor repairs to diagnostics, software updates and tyre checks - all scheduled at fleets' preferred time and location. It's expected to prove particularly popular among fleet customers and local businesses who want to minimise operational downtime for their vehicles. The launch of the mobile workshop reflects Hendy's growing shift towards providing a more flexible, modern and customer-focused service capability. Jess Watson, general manager of Hendy Brighton, Renault and Dacia, said: "This marks a real break from the norm in vehicle aftersales, and VAN Fleet World is excited to see how customers in Brighton and Eastbourne respond. "It is part of a bigger project to strengthen our aftersales offering, boosting convenience for the customer while maintaining the very high technical standards that people expect from our main workshops." Saq Qureshi, national fleet aftersales manager at Renault, said: "Hendy's approach has remained firmly solutions-focused, and with clear, timely and collaborative communication, we have been able to work with the team at every stage. We look forward to seeing the success of the servicing van with Hendy customers." Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

New hybrid toyota and hyundai rival coming. By James Cleary April 9 2026 - 7:12pm Renault has added another new nameplate to the brand's local line-up with confirmation its Symbioz compact crossover-style SUV will enter the Australian new car market in the second half of this year. Produced in Spain, the Symbioz will offer mild- and full-hybrid power options across multiple grades with details to come closer to the car's launch. It will be the brand's first model to offer a full-hybrid powertrain locally. At just over 4.4m long, close to 1.8m wide and a fraction under 1.6m tall with a 2639mm wheelbase the newcomer is marginally bigger than the recently introduced Renault Duster but smaller than the long-serving Koleos. Mild-hybrid versions of the car are powered by a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending 104kW/245Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The full-hybrid features a 80kW/107Nm 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine working in parallel with a 36kW/205Nm electric motor, the latter powered by a 1.4kWh Lithium-ion battery. It uses a specific multi-mode transmission featuring four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motor, again sending drive to the front wheels only. According to Renault, the full-hybrid Symbioz uses the electric motor exclusively for initial acceleration, the engine kicking in at speeds above 60km/h. This is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent in stop-start city driving and deliver an overall driving range of up to 1000km (WLTP). The system also harvests energy when the vehicle is braking, coasting or decelerating. Although final specification is yet to be finalised several inclusions have been flagged, including a panoramic 'Solarbay' sunroof which uses embedded liquid crystal filaments that can be dimmed on demand, premium Harman Kardon audio, Google Built-In, a 10.4-inch multimedia screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and a sliding rear seat to optimise boot space. The Symbioz arrives as part of Renault Australia's plan to renew or refresh six models over the next 18 months and the company's General Manager Glen Sealey has previously told CarsGuide the business is open to production sourcing opportunities from Renault facilities around the globe including Spain as well Brazil, India, Morocco, Romania, South Korea, Turkey and of course France. In announcing the Symbioz for local sale, Sealey said, "We know not everyone wants to drive a 'same-same' SUV and we know this car will earn its place in this market. "We have worked very hard with the factory to ensure the new Renault Symbioz is well equipped, delivers excellent real-world fuel economy and will be available at an attainable price point," he said.

Cupra Raval: £23,000 budget EV to challenge Renault 5. The Cupra Raval has been unveiled as a new budget-friendly EV with a price tag of just £23,785. Designed to take on the Renault 5 and other cheap EV rivals, including those from China, the Barcelona-designed hatchback marks a strategic shift for Cupra as it targets a younger, urban demographic. Based on the Volkswagen Group's MEB+ platform, the Raval will be produced alongside its cousin, the Volkswagen ID.2, at the Martorell plant in Spain. The UK line-up consists of four trims (Origin, V1, V2, and VZ) with deliveries scheduled to begin this summer. This positioning is critical for Cupra as it enters a "value" segment previously dominated by combustion engines, but now increasingly contested by the Renault 5 and upcoming budget offerings from Tesla and various Chinese manufacturers. Range, power, and performance. The entry-level Origin model utilises a 37kWh battery producing 115PS, while the mid-tier V1 and V2 models offer an optional 52kWh battery. This larger pack delivers a range of approximately 280 miles on the WLTP cycle and supports rapid charging, allowing for a 10% to 80% top-up in 23 minutes. The range-topping VZ model focuses on driving dynamics, utilizing the 52kWh battery to produce 225PS and a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. The VZ also features an electronic limited-slip differential and Dynamic Chassis Control to differentiate it from its more commuter-focused siblings. Inside, the Raval features a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Unlike some recent minimalist EV interiors, Cupra has retained physical buttons on a redesigned steering wheel to improve ergonomics. The cabin makes extensive use of recycled polymers and bio-based materials, consistent with the car's urban-sustainability marketing. Marcus Gossen, managing director of SEAT and Cupra UK, described the car as the "pinnacle of all things Cupra," designed specifically to redefine urban mobility for a new generation of drivers who prioritize both performance and value.