Last year the carmaker sold 2,628,208 passenger cars and LCVs – up 3.1% on 2012 in a global automotive market up 3.9%.

The carmaker emphasised that international growth remains a key focus but said that it recorded its highest progress in the European market, increasing its market share by 0.4 percentage points to 9.5%. Overall the group sold 1,301,864 in Europe, up 2.4% in a European market that fell by 1.7%.

Market share outside Europe remained stable at 50.5%, with 1,326,344 units sold. Excluding Iran, where the market was closed in July 2013, the Group gained market share in all the regions, helped by the popularity of its latest models.

In the international market the group continued to grow despite a slowdown in some emerging countries and stricter international sanctions in Iran. While new registrations were up 3.8% overall, growth was 9.7% outside Iran, where the halt in business meant about 64,500 sales were lost during the year.

Brazil and Russia remained the group's second-biggest and third-biggest markets respectively.


A total of 50.5% of group sales took place outside Europe (a rise of 0.4 points), with 1,326,344 vehicles sold. 

Strong demand was seen for the Clio and Captur, along with the Duster, sold under both the Renault and Dacia brands, which was the group's best-selling vehicle worldwide, with 376,672 new registrations.

Meanwhile, in Europe, thanks to the new Sandero (117,868 units sold, a rise of 68.3%), Dacia is the fastest-growing brand, with a rise of 0.5 points in market share.

‘In 2013 the Renault Group recorded its best increase in market share in Europe and continued to grow on international markets, thanks to the success of its new products and the relevance of the M0 range,’ said Jérôme Stoll, chief performing officer and executive vice-president, sales and marketing.

Looking ahead to 2014, the group said the world automotive market should experience moderate growth of 2% compared to 2013, as sales take off in China. The European and French markets, boosted by an improvement during second-half 2013, are expected to grow by 1%.

‘In 2014, in a more favourable market context, we are confirming our profitable growth strategy by continuing our recovery in Europe and increasing our international sales,’ said Mr Stoll.