Renault consolidates its lead with 29.1% of the French automobile market in 2000
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Renault Mégane

Photo: Renault

Renault confirmed its ranking as leading brand in France, increasing its market share to 29.1% in 2000 from 28.9% in 1999. The brand achieved a 28.2% share of the passenger car market, with Mégane and Clio the two best-selling cars in France. Renault took a 33.7% share of the light commercial vehicle market and occupied the three top slots with the Kangoo Express, Clio Utility and the Master van.

Renault's sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were up 2%, progressing faster than the French market as a whole (up 1%).

With registrations of 602,415 vehicles (compared to 602,530 units in 1999), the brand increased its market share to 28.2% (28% in 1999), with volumes stable in a French market which contracted by 1%.

Mégane, the top seller in France, increased its sales by 10% and took a 9.6% market share (8.7% in 1999). Scénic, up 32% despite the introduction of new rival models, contributed to the success of the Mégane range, accounting for 62% of all Mégane sales in 2000. Scénic benefited from new engines with the 105bhp 1.9 dCi (March 2000) and the launch in September of the 118bhp 1.8 16V and 140bhp 2.0 16V units along with the proactive automatic transmission, as well as the Scénic RX4 introduced in May. In the SUV segment, the Scénic RX4 was leader in 2000 with 6,500 units, despite only being brought out in mid-year. Since November, a new range of Mégane hatchbacks has been available with upgraded equipment and the new 105bhp 1.9 dCi common rail engine.

Sales of Clio, the best-selling small car for the ninth consecutive year and second in overall rankings after Mégane, rose by 4%. Clio took a market share of 8.8% compared to 8.4% in 1999. This rise was due to the success of the new range launched in January, with the 1.4 16V and 1.9 dTi engines, MTV limited editions, Ludo and Renault Sport 2.0 16V versions. The Extrême limited edition Clio was introduced in December and featured in particular the new 75bhp 1.2 16V petrol engine.

Kangoo, the top model in the passenger-carrying van category, accounted for 1.2% of the market.

Twingo, launched in 1993, is still not dated. It ranked fourth in the small car segment ahead of more recent models and took a market share of 3.6%. The New Twingo (new chassis, new braking system, more comprehensive equipment) was brought out in September 2000 and it is now available with the new 75bhp 1.2 16V engine.

Laguna, replaced in January 2001 by Laguna II, bowed out in style in France. The model recorded only a slight 9% drop in its sales volumes (66,062 units sold). Laguna, with a market share of 3.1%, held on to its number two position in the upper medium segment.

For the fourth consecutive year, Espace was both leader of the 'S' segment and number one top-of-the-range MPV. It took a 1.3% market share. Since September 2000, the Espace has been available with the new 2.2 dCi (115bhp and 130bhp) and 2.0 16V engines teamed with the proactive automatic transmission.

The whole of the Renault passenger car range benefits from ABS as standard equipment since September 2000 and a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee since October 2000.

Sales leader in Europe for light commercial vehicles with a 33.7% market share, Renault sold 139,740 units in 2000 (127,716 vehicles in 1999). The top three models were Renaults.

Kangoo Express, the best-selling LCV in 2000 with a 10.7% market share, was just ahead of the Clio Utility (10.4% of the market).

Master, ranking third in all models combined with 6.2% of the market, was the best-selling panel van in France.

Renault's range of light commercial vehicles will benefit in 2001 from the arrival of the new Trafic, the new benchmark in the compact van segment.

(January 2, 2001)