Renault has today announced worldwide sales growth of 6.5% for the first half of 2004, claiming a market share increase to 4.3%

The driving factors are mainly market buoyancy in central and eastern Europe and Turkey, economic recovery in Latin America and the development of Dacia

Renault claims a 10.9% share of the passenger and light commercial vehicle market in western Europe.

Renault UK car sales are up 3.3% from 98,813 to 102,049 (in a market up 2.2%). Its market share has risen 0.1% to 7.4%. LCV sales are up 20.5% from 9,229 to 11,125 (in a market up 9%), giving it a market share up 0.6% to 6.8%

The Renault group sold 1,306,454 vehicles across the world in first half 2004. Sales rose 6.5% compared with first half 2003, representing an additional 80,000 vehicles.

Renault is strengthening its position as the top-selling brand on the passenger car market in Spain (12.7%) and Portugal (15.6%) where its volumes have risen by 17.1% and 11% respectively. The brand has returned to the number one position in Belgium-Luxembourg (12.3%) and in the Netherlands (9.8% of the market). Still the leading importer in Germany (5.2% market share), Renault maintained its third place in the United Kingdom (7.4%). With volumes down 10.7%, Renault is the number five brand in Italy (6.9%).

After becoming Europe’s top diesel brand in 2003, Renault is consolidating its position on the diesel market (474,867 vehicles registered, representing a 13.1% market share).

Dacia sales rose 34.2% versus first-half 2003, with 41,869 units. The Romanian carmaker recorded its best first half sales results since its acquisition by Renault.