Renault Group – Renault group revenue increased 13.7% in the first quarter
In a global automotive market up 1.7%, Renault group registrations increased 0.8% to 641,588 units.
In Europe, Group registrations increased 9.9% in a market up 8.9%, taking a market share of 9.8%. The Renault brand grew 11.8%, supported by Clio 4, Captur and Twingo, up 17%, 27% and 40% respectively.
The Dacia brand recorded a 4.3% growth in sales, thanks to the continued success of Duster and Dokker.
In France, the Group’s biggest market, registrations increased by 3.1% in the period, to 150,179 vehicles, Renault brand sales, up 7.1%, contributing to this growth. Dacia brand sales, however, decreased 12.6% due to the high 2014 Q1 basis of comparison, that followed the launch of Duster Phase 2 at the end of 2013.
Southern Europe recovered strongly, particularly in Spain, where registrations increased 44.9%, with a market share reaching 11.9%. Sandero remained market leader for vehicles sold to private customers. In Italy, the Group’s third market, registrations increased by 28.3% to 41,752 units in a market up 12.6%. Clio was the best-selling imported vehicle in Italy.
In Great Britain, the Group continued to gain market share, posting an increase of 18.0% in registrations, in a market up 8.4%.
Outside Europe, emerging markets continued to experience turbulence during the first quarter: registrations decreased from 43% of total sales in Q1 2014 to 38% in Q1 2015.
In the Americas, Brazil, second biggest market in registrations, fell by 16.1%. However, the Group’s market share increased by 0.1 points to 6.8%, despite a 15.3% decrease in registrations.
In Argentina, the market continued declining, posting a 27.6% drop. Renault’s registrations fell 52.7%, as a decision to limit the Group’s financial exposure to the Argentinean Peso.To prepare the future, a USD 100 million investment plan was announced, with the intention to produce Logan and Sandero locally and to improve financial flexibility.
In Eurasia, the Group’s two major markets moved in opposite directions. In Russia, Group registrations fell by 40.7% against a market decline of 36.3%. This decline was the result of a decision to preserve profitability, leading to production cuts during several weeks.
By contrast, registrations in Turkey increased by 28.2%, benefiting from a market up 50.3%.
In the Africa, Middle East, India Region, strong sales momentum continued benefiting to the Group in the Maghreb area, as registrations were up 12.6% in a market that dropped 6.2%. Logan is the leading selling car in Algeria and Morocco.
In India, in a market that grew by 4.5%, Renault recorded an 11.4 % decrease in registrations, pending the launch of Lodgy and A-Entry.
In Asia-Pacific, Renault group registrations were up 13.7 % in Korea, thanks to the success of QM3 in the B-segment.
First quarter 2015 Group revenue reached €9,388 million, an increase of 13.7% compared to the same period last year (+12.5%, excluding foreign exchange rate effects).
Automotive revenue came to €8,829 million (+14.3%), due to an increase in invoices (+3.3 points) and sales to partners (+6.7 points). The weakness of the Euro versus a basket of currencies (Korean Won, Indian Rupee, British Pound, Argentinean Peso…) had a favourable impact of 1.3 points. The price effect contributed positively by 2.1 points, as a result of price increases decided at the end of 2014 in emerging countries, in order to compensate for the currency declines (notably in Russia and South America).
Sales financing (RCI Banque) revenues came to €559 million, an increase of 5.5% compared to 2014. New financing contracts increased by 14.2% and totalled 320,200. Outstanding loans increased by 10.4% to €27.3 billion.
Source: Renault Group
