Tag Archives: Renault

News

Dacia sold more cars than Renault

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) announced sales results in Europe for the first month of 2024, according to which 1,015,381 cars were sold. That is 11.5 percent more compared to the first month of last year. One detail that attracted attention is that Dacia, as part of the Renault Group, delivered more cars than Renault.

In January, the Renault Group sold only 92,935 cars, which is the worst result of all European manufacturers. That is 2.1 percent less compared to the same period in 2023, and of all brands within the group, Dacia sold the most cars (51,673 units), which is a growth of 7.7 percent, and 10,000 cars more than Renault. The French manufacturer delivered only 41,050 cars (-12.2 percent).

Among all European manufacturers, the Volkswagen Group had the best result with 258,402 cars sold, achieving growth of 8.1 percent, mainly thanks to Skoda, Audi, Seat and Cupra. Volkswagen did not achieve the expected result, because it sold 5,202 cars less than in 2023.

The second best in Europe was Stellantis with 183,120 cars, which is a growth of 16.9 percent. Peugeot was the best-selling brand with 57,447 cars, achieving a growth of 22.8 percent compared to January 2023.

This is a good result for Dacia, which unveiled the new redesigned Dacia Spring a few days ago. The car will be powered by an electric motor with a power of 45 or 65 HP (34 – 48 kW). It is equipped with a 26.8 kWh battery that enables a range of 220 kilometers. Many will say that the range is too short, but research has shown that buyers of this model drive an average of 37 kilometers per day, so 220 km is quite enough.

Source: European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)

News

French government is proposing the merger of Renault and Stellantis

Renault and Stellantis are merging into a new Group that will have almost 20 brands under its roof. This Group should be created after the proposal of the French government, which is the majority owner of Renault but also owns shares in Stellantis.

Stellantis chairman John Elkann denied the merger plans, responding to media speculation about a tie-up with Renault, which he declined to comment on. On the other hand, the government has supported Renault CEO Luca de Mea’s strategy from the start to build a new electrical and software unit based in France called Ampere. However, the relationship between Renault and Ampere became volatile following the group’s 2022 exit from Russia, its second-largest market after France at the time.

The French and Italian media point out that both manufacturers have a common interest in the fight against competition, primarily against Chinese manufacturers. Although the French government is considering Renault’s merger with Stellantis, it continues to support the Renault Group’s strategy of remaining an independent carmaker with several industrial and technological partnerships.

In this situation, Renault would benefit the most, because Stellantis with its 14 brands is far more competitive with the big EV manufacturers, whose demand has been growing for years. Also, there is the option of establishing connections with Geely, Saudi Aramco, Google and Qualcomm.

Whether the management of Stellantis will accept the proposal of the French government remains to be seen.

Source: Reuters

News

CEO of Renault demands new industrial policy in Europe

While Chinese car manufacturers are trying to conquer the European market and threaten the domestic industry, which is currently in crisis, the EU is trying to find a solution to stop them. The proposal was made by Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), who called for a new industrial policy in Europe.

In September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU will launch an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. Some member states of the European Union are trying to independently protect domestic manufacturers, such as France, which announced that it was canceling subsidies on new electric cars produced in China. The biggest threat to French and other European manufacturers is not only Chinese companies like BYD, but also the world’s largest electric car manufacturer, Tesla.

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.

Also, he expressed concern about the increase in car prices in the last two decades (+50%), as well as the average age of cars, which has increased from seven to 12 years. These and other reasons could be fatal for the automotive industry in Europe, if an appropriate decision is not made in time to protect domestic manufacturers and the domestic market.

Source: Reuters