The investment will be used for the development of two new cars at Renault’s plant in Curitiba, whilst an additional R$ 240m (€78m) over the next 10 years will support the creation of a new distribution centre to supply Renault’s 275 outlets in Brazil and other markets.

Renault Group chairman and chief executive Carlos Ghosn said: ‘Since 2011, Brazil is the brand’s second largest market after France and it is a priority in the Group’s global growth. Renault Brazil successfully completed its previous investment plan and is now pursuing the ambition of expanding its domestic market share.’ 

Renault has been producing in Brazil for 15 years now and had a market share of 6.7% at end-March, making it the fifth largest carmaker in Brazil. The Group is targeting an 8% market share in the country by 2016.

Renault also announced the implementation of a new national parts distribution centre in the city of Quatro Barras – State of Paraná – with start of operations planned for the second half of 2015. This new distribution centre represents an investment of R$ 240m (€78m) over the next 10 years and the creation of 250 jobs. Operations would include movement of 200 heavy-duty trucks on a monthly basis.

In addition to meeting the needs of Renault dealerships nationwide, the new distribution center will also supply parts and components to Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Central America, South Africa and France.