RENAULT NISSAN ALLIANCE REPORTS RECORD SALES OF 6,160,046 VEHICLES IN 2007

2008/01/29

PRESS RELEASE                                                                            January 30, 2008

Renault Nissan Alliance reports record sales of 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007

Renault and Nissan sold a total of 6,160,046 vehicles in 2007 (+4.2 %) giving a global market share of 9.1% and a new annual sales record for the Alliance.

Renault and Nissan sold respectively 2,484,472 and 3,675,574 units, Renault’s worldwide sales increased by 2.1 %, while Nissan’s rose by 5.7 %.

The main growth zones for the Alliance were Russia (+49.9 %), Latin and South America (+12.6 %), China (+25.6 %) and the Middle East and Africa (+16.2 %).

Renault returns to growth

Renault sold 2,134,484 vehicles under the Renault brand (+0.9 %), 119,824 under Renault Samsung Motors brand (-1.5 %), and 230,164 Dacia-branded vehicles (+17.2 %). The success of Logan, sold under the Renault and Dacia brands, was confirmed with sales rising more than 48 % to 367,745 units. The Logan family grew in 2007 with the arrival of Logan MCV and Logan Van. The latest Logan-platform model, Sandero, was launched in Mercosur at the end of 2007.  

Renault continued to grow internationally, increasing its non-Europe sales by 16.3 % to 861,330, for nearly 35 % of total sales.

Renault started its product offensive in 2007, launching Logan Van, New Twingo, New Laguna sedan and station wagon, QM5 and Sandero. Four new models will be launched in the first two months of 2008: the passenger car and LCV versions of New Kangoo, Clio Estate and Grand Modus. Phase 2 of the Modus will be released as well, together with five other models in 2008. The three brands (Renault, Dacia, RSM) will all contribute to the growth of the Renault group. Sales are forecast to rise over 10% in 2008, driven by increases in all regions.

New models drive Nissan’s global growth

Nissan sold a record 3,675,574 vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands, up 5.7 % over the prior year. Significant new models introduced in 2007 included the Altima coupe, Livina series and the Rogue crossover. Global sales of Infiniti vehicles increased at 151,683 units, boosted by the G35 sedan and the launch of the G37 coupe.

Nissan recorded sales of over one million units for the third consecutive year with a 4.8% increase in its largest market, the United States. Sales in 2007 were led by the Nissan Versa subcompact, Altima mid-size passenger cars and Infiniti G35 luxury sedan.

In Japan, Nissan’s overall sales fell 6% to 720,973. Despite the decline in the registered vehicle segment, Nissan saw improved volume and market share in the minicar segment bolstered by new products like Pino.

In Europe, annual sales increased slightly. Strong demand in Russia – 59.6% increase vs. 2006 – and the continued success of Qashqai offset challenging conditions in the mature markets.

In other global markets, Nissan sales increased by 8% to 1,024,683 units.　In China, sales in calendar year 2007 increased 25% supported by the continued popularity of the Tiida model and new models such as the Livina. In addition, Infiniti and LCV business units continue to grow in markets such as Korea, GCC and China.

Delivering value for both partners

The Renault Nissan Alliance has advanced on all fronts during 2007, creating new opportunities for future growth. In product development and engineering, Nissan was able to enrich its line-up thanks to Renault’s Logan platform. Renault is capitalizing on Nissan’s acknowledged expertise in 4x4 vehicles. Nissan actively participated in the development of an all-new crossover vehicle for the Renault and Renault Samsung brands. Styled and defined by Renault, the new vehicle is built by Renault Samsung in Korea.

In a significant move towards reducing CO2 car emissions as well as particulate pollution, the Alliance and Project Better Place engaged in a breakthrough to offer electric vehicles to Israeli customers in 2011.

The Alliance is enabling both partners to grow in emerging markets. The Alliance already has significant investments in China through Nissan and Dongfeng, in India with Renault and Mahindra & Mahindra and in Russia with Renault and Avtoframos. On 8 December 2007, Renault signed a Memorundum Of Understanding with AvtoVAZ whose manufacturing capacities will allow for production of over 750,000 cars annually. Nissan is building a plant in St Petersburg to start operation in 2009.

In Tangier, Morocco, the Alliance and the Kingdom of Morocco will develop one of the largest vehicle manufacturing facilities in the Mediterranean with an eventual capacity of 400,000 vehicles a year.

In Chennai, India, Renault and Nissan announced plans to build in the state of Tamil Nadu, one of the largest automotive production sites in India with an eventual capacity of 400,000 units per year.

Both companies in the Alliance will continue to grow through innovative collaboration, leveraging the expertise of this uniquely successful partnership for mutual value creation.

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