Overseas markets helped ease the pain at Renault which saw sales plummet in most European markets last year.
Sales outside Europe rose 19.2% and now account for 43% of the carmaker’s total volume.
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However, Renault did retain its number two position in Europe for passenger car sales during the year, taking a 8.6% share. The group also led the LCV market for the 14th year running, with a 15.6% share.
Global markets expanded 5.3% driven by Russia (+40%), Turkey (+13%) and Latin America (+10%). In Europe, the market was stable (-0.5%) although the overall result masked contrasting trends.
Sales rose in the Netherlands (+16%), Germany (+9%), Austria (+9%) and Belgium/Luxembourg (+5%) but fell in Portugal (-30%), Spain (-17%), Italy (-10%), UK (-2%) and France (-1.3%)
Against this backdrop, the group beat its 2010 sales record, selling 2,722,062 units, an increase of 94,697 vehicles, or 3.6%, despite major supply constraints and disruptions caused by the tsunami in Japan, which affected commercial activities. As a result, the group’s global market share was 3.6%.
Renault brand sales rose 6.8% compared with 2010 to 2,260,694 units, accounting for 83% of group sales. Dacia volume fell slightly, by 1.8%, chiefly owing to supply constraints caused by the tsunami.
The company said that although production capacity was used to the maximum from September onwards, this was not enough to offset the slowdown in production in the first half.
Renault Samsung Motors brand sales were down 27% to 118,135 units.
Jérôme Stoll, who heads sales and marketing, light commercial vehicles and the Europe Region for the group, said Renault has laid the foundations for the future by launching its range of zero emission (electric) vehicles at the end of the year including the Fluence and Kangoo ZE models.
He added: “In an uncertain economic and financial environment, the Renault group has strengths that will stand it in good stead in 2012. The year will feature a major product offensive both in Europe and on international markets, as we roll out nine new models and 10 new phases.
“These will include ZOE and Twizy, two electric vehicles that symbolise Renault’s ability to make innovation available to everyone; new Clio, the flagship for the brand’s new design approach; plus three new Dacias: the Lodgy MPV, a van and a leisure-activity vehicle.”
