Renault sales down 6.3% as European market slumps

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The data shows that the group set a new record for sales outside Europe, which rose 9.1% in 2012 to 1,279,598. However, sales in Europe were down 18%, leading to an overall 6.3% decline in worldwide group sales, which fell to 2,550,286 vehicles.

‘The group’s international expansion strategy is bringing results. In 2012, we set a new international sales record with the Renault and Dacia brands. Nevertheless, this success could not totally make up for falling sales in Europe. In market conditions that were tougher than expected, we sought primarily to defend our margins,’ said Jérôme Stoll, executive vice-president, sales and marketing & light commercial vehicles.

Group sales outside Europe confirmed the group’s international expansion, accounting for 50.2% of the total, compared with 43.1% in 2011. 

Russia saw particular growth, with sales up by 21.6% to almost 208,000 units, making it the group’s third biggest market.

There was also strong growth in the Americas, with a new record in sales (+13.6%) and market share (6.6%, a rise of +0.5 point). Total group sales stood at 450,916 vehicles, on the back of the successful launch of Duster and the renewal of Sandero. Brazil remains the Renault group’s second biggest market, with sales up 24.3% in a market that grew by 6.1%.

Within the Euromed-Africa Region, 360,918 vehicles were sold, up by 4.4% and giving market share of 14.8%, up by 0.1 point.

For the Asia-Pacific region, sales were up 0.4% to 260,013 units, with Renault emphasizing how Indian remains a third key component in its international strategy, alongside Russia and Brazil.

Looking at sales totals by brand, Renault was down 6% on 2011, despite 13.9% growth outside Europe, due to its high exposure to markets in France and Southern Europe. In contrast, sales for the no-frills Dacia brand were up 4.8% to 359,822 units, helped by the arrival of Lodgy and Dokker and renewed Sandero and Logan. 

Renault Samsung Motors reported a fall of 44.4% to 65,691 units, with the group targeting a recovery from 2013 on the back of a restructuring of its sales network and product offering.

Commenting on the market outlook for the Renault group in 2013, Mr Stoll said: ‘Building on its international development strategy and the launch of attractive new products, the Renault group is setting a course for growth in 2013. We will pursue our development strategy in international markets. In Europe, our objective is to win back market share while continuing to implement a virtuous commercial strategy. Our growth will be driven by New Clio, which has made a strong start, and by a major product offensive with the launch of Captur, ZOE, New Clio Estate, New Symbol, New Logan, New Sandero, New Fluence and Novo Clio. 

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.

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