Tag Archives: Renault Group

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Dacia has the most loyal customers

The Romanian car manufacturer Dacia, as part of the Renault Group, has been recording outstanding results lately with more cars delivered than Renault. It’s an extraordinary result, but one study shows that this car manufacturer has the most loyal customers.

According to Dataforce research, almost 80 percent of current Dacia customers in Germany would buy their car again. Also, indicators show that the percentage of their loyal customers is 20 percent above the average in the auto industry.

“Dacia manages to attract exactly those customers who keep coming back. It’s something almost no one else can do,” said Marc Odinius, CEO of Data Force.

Tesla is in second place with 75 percent of customers returning to the American brand, while Mazda is in third place. At the same time, Tesla is the brand with the most loyal customers in the electric car segment, ahead of Volkswagen and BMW.

In 2023, Dacia revealed the third generation of the model that has the most loyal customers, the Dacia Duster. The car will be available for a larger number of customers and the entry model will cost around 20,000 euros. Also, Dacia recently premiered the Spring model, and announced that the new Dacia Sandero will be offered as an EV.

Source: Dataforce

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EU introduces additional tariffs on vehicles from China

In September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is launching an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. The investigation showed that the Chinese government subsidized cars exported to Europe in various ways, and in response the EU is considering the introduction of additional tariffs.

For a long time, Europe was looking for a way to protect domestic producers. Some suggested joining forces against the Chinese, such as the head of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo. It seems that the temporary decision on additional tariffs is the EU’s first move to protect domestic producers.

According to Automotive News Europe, the temporary tariff rates would apply from July, and European importers must report imports of Chinese electric vehicles through customs registrations. This means that retroactive customs clearance is inevitable.

The investigation also showed that imports from China increased by 14 percent (177,839 vehicles) compared to 2022, and if it continues, it is not doubtful that it could negatively affect employment and overall production. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the EU said it was disappointed by the decision and that the increase in imports was a reflection of the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Manufacturers are trying to resist the increasingly rapid Chinese conquest of the European market, and one of the ways is to continue producing cars with internal combustion engines. In February, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

Mercedes and Škoda have already announced that they will not give up ICE as long as there is demand. Other companies are expected to follow this path as well.

Source: Automotive News Europe

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European manufacturers united against the Chinese

The European market is facing a large influx of Chinese manufacturers who are increasingly threatening the already weakened European car industry. After the cancellation of subsidies and the start of an investigation due to the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China, European manufacturers are increasingly thinking about joining forces to oppose the Chinese.

The head of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo said at the Geneva International Auto Show that European manufacturers should cooperate more closely, especially when it comes to the affordability of electric cars. Talks between Renault Group and Volkswagen have already started.

Last month, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

As a successful collaboration, de Meo gave the example of Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota that collaborated on the C1, P107 and Aygo models in the 2000s, but also the partnership of Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat and Saab in the use of a common platform that is was the basis for four great sedans from the nineties.

“Speed is important against the Chinese. We are in an uncertain world. In the past, when we had cars with internal combustion engines, we could predict what was coming. Now, if you take four or five years to react, it is too late,” said de Meo.

Source: Automotive News Europe