The strategy will also see no less than five models dropped from the books - namely the Laguna, Espace, Kangoo, Modus  and  Wind models.  Franchises affected by the plan will be informed by the end of the month and will have a year to sell through stock.

A spokesman for the company suggested that dealers caught up in the move may wish to start selling Renault's sister brand Nissan.

Customers are unlikely to be very much affected by the move as under block exemption rules they are able to take their vehicles to an independent workshop of their choice without voiding the warranty.