Renault group registrations increased by 0.8 per cent to 641,588 units

By contrast, registrations in Turkey increased by 28.2 per cent, benefiting from a market up 50.3 per cent.

In the Africa, Middle East, India Region, strong sales momentum continued benefiting to the Group in the Maghreb area, as registrations were up 12.6 per cent in a market that dropped 6.2 per cent. Logan is the leading selling car in Algeria and Morocco.

In India, in a market that grew by 4.5 per cent, Renault recorded an 11.4 per cent decrease in registrations, pending the launch of Lodgy and A-Entry.

In Asia-Pacific, Renault group registrations were up 13.7 per cent in Korea, thanks to the success of QM3 in the B-segment.

Revenues by operating sector

First quarter 2015 Group revenue reached €9,388 million, an increase of 13.7 per cent compared to the same period last year (+12.5 per cent, excluding foreign exchange rate effects).

Automotive revenue came to €8,829 million (+14.3 per cent), due to an increase in invoices (+3.3 points) and sales to partners (+6.7 points). The weakness of the Euro versus a basket of currencies (Korean Won, Indian Rupee, British Pound, Argentinean Peso…) had a favourable impact of 1.3 points. The price effect contributed positively by 2.1 points, as a result of price increases decided at the end of 2014 in emerging countries, in order to compensate for the currency declines (notably in Russia and South America).

Sales financing (RCI Banque) revenues came to €559 million, an increase of 5.5 per cent compared to 2014. New financing contracts increased by 14.2 per cent and totalled 320,200. Outstanding loans increased by 10.4 per cent to €27.3 billion.

2015 outlook

Global car demand should continue to grow in 2015 (+2 per cent). The European market, which was better than expected during the first quarter, should increase by 5 per cent (compared to +2 per cent initially forecasted). By contrast, the Brazilian and Russian markets should experience a sharper decrease than expected.

End