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Frenchy French car maker Renault has reported a sales dip of 13.5% however have also gone on to say that they have had a better 6 months start to the year than forecast and after the successful launch of 5 new vehicles their market share (of a shrinking market) has rose to 4.3%

So why are people that are buying cars, buying Renault ?

Discounting France who pretty much only drive French I would like to take a look at how the UK and Irish figures break down.  I would imagine that they have gained market share in both the consumer sector, where you get better value for money with a Renault than a Vauxhall or ford for example; and also in the cooperate sector where companies still want their employees to have a nice respectable car, but must look seriously at running costs and fuel consumption.  This is an area where BMW and Ford will certainly loose out.

Renault is getting a 3bn euro (£2.6bn;$4.24bn) rescue loan from the French government but it is conditional on not making forced redundancies.

From Irish Times

Renault said total vehicle sales – including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles – were down 16.5 per cent worldwide, in a market that fell by the same amount, leaving its overall market share stable at 3.7 per cent.

Renault brand sales were down 21.5 per cent in the first six months, with car sales 19.1 per cent lower and light commercial vehicles (LCV) posting a 33.2 percent drop. Renault launched five new models in the first half, including versions of its best-selling Megane range and a new Clio.

Renault’s Romania-based Dacia brand – which makes the low-cost Dacia and Sandero models – saw a 22.9 percent increase in passenger car sales to 146,160 units, but LCV sales were down 13.7 per cent.

In the world passenger car market, where the Renault-Nissan alliance ranks 4th, group sales were down 13.7 per cent, at 969,361 units, in an overall market 15.6 percent lower.