In the first half of the year, the strong performance of the 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.
With nearly 1.4 million vehicles sold worldwide at end-June 2014, Renault group PC+LCV sales increased by 4.7% in the first half of 2014 compared to 2013.
In Europe, Renault group sales increased by 18%, far exceeding market growth, which was up 6.5%. The Renault brand recorded growth of 13%. Dacia is the fastest growing brand (gaining 0.5 points of market share) over the semester.
Group sales outside of Europe are down 9% 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% market share).
Highlights in first-half 2014:
Renault group sales increased by 4.7% to 1,365,418 units in a global automotive market up 3.8% in the first half of 2014.
EUROPE:
In a growing market (+6.5%), in contrast to 2013, the Group sold 776,236 vehicles (+18%) and took PC+LCV market share of 10.2% (+1 point).
Group sales increased by 18% with 776,236 units sold. PC+LCV market share increased by 1 point to 10.2%. Group sales grew substantially across nearly all countries. The most substantial growth was recorded in Portugal (+68%), United-Kingdom (+65%), Ireland (+52%), Spain (+35%) and the Nordic countries (+37%).
Clio was still the best-selling vehicle on the French market at end-June, and the third best-selling vehicle in Europe[1].
The Group became a recognised expert in the urban crossover segment with Captur, first in the B segment in Europe, and Duster, third in the C segment[2] (and first in France).
The Renault brand confirmedits position as the third largest brand in the European PC+LCV market, with market penetration of 7.6% (+0.4 point). The brand is the B-segment leader with Clio and Captur[3]. The brand entered its 17th consecutive year as LCV market leader with a 14.3% share (+0.2 point), and volume which rose 11%.
Dacia brand sales recorded the strongest increase of any brand. Bolstered by the renewal of its range and the relevance of its offer in today's difficult economic environment in Europe, the brand grew its PC+LCV market share by 0.5 points to 2.6%.
In France, in a growing market (+2.7%), the Group registered 313,682 vehicles (+12.5%) for a PC+LCV market share of 27.3%, up 2.4 points. At end-June, New Clio was the best-selling vehicle in the French market. With 33,910 sales, Captur consolidated its success and was the country's best-selling SUV. Scénic, the leading compact MPV, is holding firm against newer competitive models. Overall, five of the Group's models were among the TOP 10 best-selling vehicles at end-June.
Dacia, with 5.3% of the PC+LCV market (+1.1 points), is firmly established in fifth position (fourth for sales to individuals). Sandero and Duster sales surged by more than 30% and 58% respectively compared to the same period in 2013.
Renault also leads the LCV market, where Kangoo Express is the top-selling model.
INTERNATIONAL:
Due to the downturn in its main emerging markets, Group sales are down 9% to 589,182 units. They represent 43% of total sales (compared to 50% in the first half of 2013). The Group is affected by declining markets in Algeria (-31% TIV), Turkey (-26% TIV), Argentina (-24% TIV), Russia (-8% TIV), and Brazil (-7%), with a sharp downward trend in those countries, and India (-5% TIV).
Eurasia region:
In the Eurasia region, Renault is performing better than the market with sales down 7% in a market down 9%.
In Russia, the Group's third largest market, Renault is still the second leading brand in the country after Lada, with a stable market share of 7.8%, pending the full effect of the renewal of its M0 range.
Following the collapse of the Ukrainian market, Kazakhstan (+11% TIV) became the second largest market in the region. Renault is continuing its market penetration in the region and doubled its sales thanks to Duster; market share surged by 2.6 points to 5.4%.
Asia-Pacific region:
With 110,903 vehicles sold, Group sales were down 12% (-2.8% excluding Iran), in particular due to the situation in Iran and the drop in the Indian market. Group market share in the region is slightly down at 0.5%.
In South Korea, Renault Samsung Motors recorded 40% volume growth in a market that grew by 7%. Market share rose 1.1 points to 4.7%. RSM has once again become the country's fourth leading brand. The success of the new QM3 is the main driver of this recovery.
Euromed-Africa region:
Group sales in the Euromed-Africa region are down 15% in a market that fell 11%.
After several strong years, the Algerian market is experiencing a major downturn. The Renault group is still the market leader in the country, with a 25.4% market share.
The Group held firm in Turkey, where the market fell 26%, and achieved a 17.6% market share, up 0.5 points. Fluence is the best-selling vehicle in this market.
The Group is still well ahead in Morocco, with market share of 37% and six models among the TOP 10 at end-May.
Americas region:
With 205,390 vehicles sold, Group sales are down 2% in a regional market which fell 9%.
In Brazil, the Group's second largest market, sales increased by 8% in a market that fell 7%. The Group's market share gained 1 point and reached a record high of 7% thanks to 110,146 sales.
In a vulnerable Argentinian market (-24%), Renault maintained its market share (14.4%) while prioritising the profitability of its operations.
