Russia and the shortage of semiconductors drag down Renault’s sales in the first half. According to the results published on Tuesday, sales of the group (Renault + Dacia + Alpine) plummeted 12%. Thus, Renault registered just over one million vehicles (1,000,199 units) in the first six months of the year.
However, the fall is much more pronounced (-29.7%) if the withdrawal of Russia is taken into account. According to the Reuters agency, leaving the country, Renault’s second market, deprived the group of tens of thousands of cars sold. In the first half of 2021, Russia accounted for 270,000 Renault registrations according to the agency. With just over 73,000 cars sold since January, Italy has become the group’s leading market.
More and more individual customers
However, some points are positive in the results presented by Renault. First of all, the manufacturer has refocused on people. These sales, more profitable than those of fleets, increased 13 points in one year to reach 66% of volumes, in the five main European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom), specifies Renault in a statement. .
Electricity sales on the rise
Second positive point: sales of electric and hybrid cars (grouped under the E-Tech range) represent 36% of passenger car sales in Europe.
“Electrified markets are booming in Europe and Renault is well positioned to meet this new customer demand with suitable products,” said Fabrice Cambolive, Deputy CEO of the Renault brand. In the second half of the year, we will accelerate the electrification of our range with the launch of the new electric Megane E-Tech, electric Kangoo E-Tech and New Austral.”
According to Fabrice Cambolive, quoted by Reuters, the weight of electricity was close to 50% in sales in recent weeks in Europe. Renault also gained market share in the C-segment, especially in profitable midsize and family cars, thanks to the success of Arkana, its SUV Coupé. 40,000 have been sold since January, specifies Renault, 59% in hybrid version.
Source: BFM TV
