The Renault Group is recovering swiftly from the difficult years behind and the problems encountered. Its worldwide sales amounted to 1 133 667 vehicles in the first half of 2023, up 13% versus H1 of 2022. In Europe, Group sales were up 24% in a market up almost 18%.

The Group’s sales policy, focused on value creation, concentrates on the most profitable channels: sales to retail customers, high-trim versions, and the C segment. The share of sales to retail customers represents 65% in the Group’s five central European countries (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom). Retail sales account for more than half of the sales of the Renault brand in Europe.

The Group’s order backlog in Europe represents 3,4 months of sales at the end of June 2023. It would remain above the target of two months throughout the year, even with a market down 30% compared with 2019.

By Brand

The Renault brand recorded a 12% growth, with more than 772 000 vehicles sold in the first half of 2023. In Europe, Renault increased its sales by 21% to 503 242 units, back on the podium as the second-best-selling brand and number one in France.

In the C segment in Europe, the Renault brand recorded a growth of 42% compared to the first half of 2022, thanks to the success of Arkana, Austral, and Megane E-Tech Electric. Renault Arkana recorded almost 42 000 sales, 55% of which were E-Tech versions.

Renault Austral recorded almost 40 000 sales, of which 65% were hybrid versions and 60% top-of-the-range versions. Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has recorded over 23 000 sales, with over 70% of sales for high-trim versions and 80% for the most powerful engine. Megane E-Tech Electric is the best-selling electric vehicle in the C segment in France.

Alpine, Renault’s sporty daughter, also confirmed its growth: with more than 1 800 vehicles sold, registrations were up by 9%. The last six months have been marked by the successful launches of two limited editions: the Alpine A110 San Remo 73 and the Alpine A110 R Le Mans.

The other daughter, Dacia, is even more successful. Dacia’s sales were up 24% to more than 345 000 units in the first half of 2023. It takes second place in the European retail market, up 29% compared to the first half of 2022. With 138 978 units sold, Dacia Sandero is up 23,5% and remains the best-selling vehicle for European retail customers.

Electrification continues

One of the head points in Renault’s recovery is, of course, electrification. Renault Group indicates that it is pursuing its electrification offensive. Sales of Renault brand electrified passenger cars rose by 18%, now accounting for 37% of the brand’s passenger car sales in Europe. Full electric vehicles represent 11% of European passenger car sales, meaning that 26% are hybrids or plug-in hybrids.

The Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140, which has been on sale since January 2023, accounts for more than 25% of the brand’s sales mix. Dacia Spring, the brand’s full electric urban crossover, has sold more than 27 000 units in Europe in the first half and is still one of the best-selling electric vehicles in Europe.

Bye bye Twizy

Meanwhile, after twelve years, Renault announced the end of production of its electric miniature vehicle in September 2023. Another electric pioneer from the French company is leaving the street, but its successor, the Mobilize Duo, is already in the starting blocks.

The concept remains similar, but the Duo is 20 centimeters larger and eight centimeters shorter than the Twizy. The Duo will compete with Citroën Ami, among others, in the booming four-wheeler market.

From the beginning, Twizy was an eye-catcher at its series premiere in 2010. As of June 2023, Renault has sold 33 340 units of the Twizy in 55 countries, the most important markets being France, Germany, South Korea, and Italy. With the Mobilize Duo, which will also be offered on a subscription and long-term rental basis, Renault will certainly target higher numbers in a fast-growing niche market.