Renault has almost doubled its sales during the first half of the year, with sales showing an impressive growth of +92% compared to last year.

Renault SA sales increase significantly during first half of the year

According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA), new vehicle sales for the month of June showed some resilience despite the South African economy continuing to experience pressures in the form of slower economic growth, high levels of industrial action, rising inflationary pressures and exchange rate vulnerability.

Renault’s private car sales grew by 92% in the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013 which showed a decline of -7%.

The company’s performance can be attributed to the success of the New Clio, New Duster and the recently-launched New Sandero. Each of these models rank amongst the Top 5 in their respective segments, says Renault.

“These are excellent results in spite of the bleak backdrop and demonstrate, more than ever, Renault’s staying power and its firm entrenchment in the South African car market. Our passenger car line-up is the freshest in South Africa and Renault is now the fifth most-sold, non-premium brand in the passenger car market dealer channel,” says Niall Lynch, managing director at Renault South Africa.

NAAMSA figures show that some brands push their cars through rentals and self-registrations in order to limit the impact of the market drop, however, Lynch adds that “more than 90% of our cars are sold through our dealer network – which makes for real and healthy business.”

Top 5 rankings for Clio, Duster and New Sandero

All three of these new models, launched within a 12 month time frame contributed to Renault’s sales success.

The Clio continues to grow as a top 5 contender in the Super-Mini segment, while the New Sandero is considered as the “best offering” in the budget car segment. The Duster is already among the five most sold SUVs in SA with 2300 units purchased during the first half of 2014 and an overall total of more than 3500 units sold since its launch.

Renault also confirmed that the New Megane MY2014 will complete the renewal of its line-up. While information on the new model is still limited, it’s said that it will launch with two brand new engines and “sensuous and shapely styling” inspired by the brand’s new design language.

“With new products that enable us to make Renault’s intelligent technologies accessible to our South African clientele – on-board, live navigation and brand new technologically advanced engines for example – it’s clear to see why Renault SA is kicking off the second half of 2014 with optimism and confidence in spite of economic conditions that are not particularly favourable to the car market.”