As the group responsible for selling up to a third of Renault's fleet volume, the Renault Retail Group (RRG) dealership chain knows better than most of the problems with early Laguna models.

With a high percentage of the original models suffering problems, it was the dealer staff who dealt with the vast array of issues which afflicted Renault's upper-medium model.

But those problems are, hopefully, in the past, allowing the group to build on the number of internal quality improvement processes put in place by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Alongside the new Laguna model, which, claims Renault, is a massive leap forward in terms of quality, RRG is also pioneering the firm's E4 programme (excellence, everyone, everywhere, every time).

RRG managing director Ian Plummer said: "Our ambition is to be Renault's showcase across the group and to push things in the right direction.

"We are further along the road than other parts of the Renault network in terms of E4.

"Applying the process is difficult, a long haul, but the change of culture is well on the way."

Mr Plummer says the arrival of the new Laguna is a key moment, not just in terms of having new metal in the showroom but also reflecting the fresh approach to doing business.

He added: "We have got our staff on board with the new Laguna after the problems with the early models.

"They are coming back from training and are unanimous in saying the new model is much better."

With further new Laguna variants to be launched in 2008, including the sleek Coupe model, a new Megane range, plus new additions to the Clio and Modus family, Mr Plummer is positive for the year ahead.

He added: "The market is becoming more fragmented so you need to have different options for customers.

"It is vital to be able to answer different needs.

"We will see a lot of new product in 2008 but we will continue to make service efforts our key focus.