Another van is in the mix.
The Scenic is the latest model to be discontinued by Renault in Europe’s MPV market. The compact family van, which was introduced in 1996 by the first Scenic generation, is no longer offered by the French company.
The original Scenic sold over 2.8 million units during its lifetime, but its successor, the modern Scenic, saw only 20,678 sales last fiscal year. Renault sold 160,159 Scenics in the Old continent in 2011 from its third-generation model. This was a decade ago.
Although the Scenic is no longer available from the French automaker, it’s worth noting that its seven-seat sibling, the Grand Scenic still has a place in the market. Caradisiac says that the production of the three-row multipurpose vehicle will cease in a matter of months.
The Scenic is now joined by the Talisman (Renault’s flagship sedan), which was also recently. Manufacturer has had to discontinue some long-standing models due to the rise of SUVs and falling demand for sedans, wagons, and vans. Although the fate of Espace seems to be similar, it is not yet available for order in certain European markets. However, an official announcement regarding its demise has not been made.
Citroen, one Renault’s historical rivals pulled the plug last month on the Grand C4 SpaceTourer family vehicle. Production was scheduled to end in July. Citroen, like Renault has been selling multi-purpose vehicles for decades. Its first introduction was in 1994 with the Evasion. The larger, more comfortable C8 succeeded it. It was discontinued in 2012.
In 2020, the Volkswagen Sharan, an MPV similar in size from Wolfsburg, was also discontinued. Ford appears to be one of few European manufacturers with a minivan. The S-Max was updated last February with a new hybrid powertrain.