In a context still disturbed by the pandemic, Groupe Renault sold 665,038 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021, up 1.1% compared with the first quarter of 2020.
The group’s turnover stood at EUR10 billion in the first quarter, down 1.1% on the year.
Renault brand sold 433,662 vehicles in the first quarter of 2021, up 1.3% on the year. In Europe, the market was up 3.9% supported by the strong momentum of the light commercial vehicle market.
After the launch of Twingo E-TECH Electric, Renault brand continues to expand its line-up with the arrival of New Arkana E-TECH hybrid, New Captur E-TECH hybrid and New Mégane hatchback E-TECH plug-in hybrid in the second quarter.
In regions outside Europe, Renault is focusing on the most profitable segments : in India, the brand has successfully launched New Kiger in the fast-growing compact SUV segment; and in Russia, New Duster, on sale since March, is off to a strong start with a high version mix.
Dacia has performed well with its new models, Renault said in its report. The launch of New Sandero is a success with a portfolio representing more than 3 months of sales and the New Dacia Spring, the brand’s first electric vehicle, has already registered nearly 10,000 pre-orders.
At March 31, 2021, total inventories (including the independent network) represented 487,000 units compared with 661,000 at end March 2020, a decrease of 26%.