DOHA: Strong performance of Renault and Dacia brands in Europe, driven by the success of Clio, Captur, Duster phase 2 and Sandero, enabled the Group to offset the sharp slowdown in its main emerging markets in the first half of the year. With nearly 1.4 million vehicles sold worldwide at end-June 2014, Renault group PC+LCV sales increased by 4.7 percent in the first half of 2014 compared to 2013.
In Europe, Renault group sales increased by 18 percent, far exceeding market growth, which was up 6.5 percent. The Renault brand recorded growth of 13 percent. Dacia is the fastest growing brand (gaining 0.5 points of market share) over the semester.
Group sales outside of Europe are down 9 percent due to the economic and financial crises in its main emerging markets. Within this context, the Group is holding firm and still recording market share growth in Eurasia and Latin America, with a record first-half in Brazil (7 percent market share).
“In the first half of 2014, Renault brand sales in Europe were up, thanks to Clio and Captur. Dacia is the fastest growing brand in the Region. As a result, Renault is able to diminish the impact of the decline in our main emerging markets and to maintain the Group’s positive momentum”, says Jérôme Stoll, Chief Performance Officer and Executive Vice-President, Sales and Marketing.
In the second half of the year, the Group’s main markets will develop in keeping with the results of the first half. We expect annual growth of 3 to 4 percent in Europe, with a French market up 1 percent. Within this context, Renault confirms its earlier projections of market share gain in Europe and of increased worldwide sales volumes.
To achieve this, the Group will rely on the proven success of its new products: Clio, Captur, Sandero and Duster phase 2, the forthcoming launches of New Twingo and New Trafic and the international roll-out of New Logan and New Sandero.
“The continued renewal of Logan and Sandero internationally should enable us to hold firm in falling emerging markets”, said Stoll, The Peninsula
