150k tractors celebrated
Farm machinery maker Claas is celebrating having made 150,000 tractors since it bought the Renault brand in 2003.
Outside Europe it made 43% of its sales in 2011, compared to 37% in 2010.
In New Zealand, Renault was the fastest growing European brand and in Australia the third-best growing brand partly thanks to a revitalised model line-up including the Megane hatch, Koleos SUV and Fluence saloon.
"Our medium term goal is to become the most popular French brand in New Zealand," says Stephen Kenchington, general manager of Renault Cars in New Zealand.
"We're expanding the dealer network and expect a wider range of models to become available in the next 12 months."
In Europe, Renault remained the number two brand for passenger cars (PC) and light commercial vehicles (LCV), taking 8.6% of the market. The Renault group led the LCV market for the 14th year running, with a 15.6% share of the market
Late 2011 it launched ZE (zero emission in road use) vehicles including Fluence ZE and Kangoo Van ZE, which was recently named International Van of the Year 2012.
Renault's electric van was selected by 19 major French companies. It is contracted to supply 15,600 vehicles.
Russia took 40% more vehicles, Turkey 13% more and Latin America 10%. Renault Group's global market share stood at 3.6%. In Europe, the Group took 10.1% of the market.
Renault consolidated its LCV leadership in the Europe market since 1998, taking a market share of 15.6%.
Outside Europe Brazil is now Renault's second largest market behind France. Russia has moved into fourth place (up five); Turkey is in fifth place (up two); Argentina has moved to eighth place (up three); and Iran is now the Group's No.10 market (up three).
