Electrification and International Markets Drive Renault Group’s Third Consecutive Year of Growth

2026-01-20 companies

Boulogne-Billancourt, Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Fueled by a massive 77% spike in electric vehicle sales and record-breaking demand for Alpine, Renault Group overcame European commercial headwinds to secure its third consecutive year of global expansion.

Global Sales Resilience Amidst Market Shifts

On January 20, 2026, Renault Group (RENA.PA) reported a worldwide sales total of 2,336,807 vehicles for the 2025 fiscal year, representing a 3.2% increase over 2024 [1][2]. This performance marks the third consecutive year of growth for the French automotive giant, achieved despite a complex tariff environment and surplus production challenges across the global sector [2]. While the overall European market saw the Group sell 1,607,848 vehicles, the growth trajectory was significantly sharper in international markets [1]. The disparity in regional performance highlights the Group’s strategic pivot; while European volume grew by a modest 0.5%—weighed down by a 21% plunge in van sales—international markets for the Renault brand surged by 11.7% [2].

Electrification Strategy Yields Tangible Results

The most striking metric in the Group’s 2025 report is the aggressive adoption of electrified powertrains. In Europe, Renault Group sold approximately 194,000 electric vehicles (EVs), marking a substantial 76.7% year-on-year increase [1][6]. Hybrid vehicles also saw strong demand, with approximately 400,000 units sold, reflecting a 35.1% rise [1]. Within the Renault brand specifically, EV sales climbed by 72.2%, totaling 151,000 units [4]. This surge was bolstered by the commercial success of the Renault 5, which surpassed 100,000 sales, and the Symbioz hybrid, which moved 88,500 units to become the brand’s most popular hybrid model [3]. Consequently, electrified vehicles (EV and Hybrid) now account for two-thirds of the Renault brand’s sales, positioning it as a leader in CO₂ emission reduction among generalist manufacturers [1].

International Markets and Brand Performance

Outside of Europe, the Group’s “International Game Plan” delivered double-digit growth in key regions. The Renault brand witnessed a 55.9% sales explosion in South Korea, a 44.8% increase in Morocco, and an 11.3% rise in Latin America [1][6]. In total, sales outside Europe accounted for 728959 vehicles for the Group [1]. Breaking down performance by brand, Dacia continued its upward trajectory with 697,408 vehicles sold, a 3.1% increase, achieving the milestone of 10 million cumulative sales since 2004 [1]. Meanwhile, the premium sports brand Alpine recorded a historic year, with registrations jumping 139.2% to reach 10,970 units, driven largely by the launch of the A290, which sold 8,198 units in its debut year [1].

2026 Outlook and Product Offensive

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Renault Group plans to sustain this momentum through an expanded product lineup. The company has confirmed the launch of the new Renault Twingo E-Tech electric and the Alpine A390 later this year [1]. In emerging markets, the strategy includes the reintroduction of the Duster in India, scheduled for January 26, 2026 [8], and the rollout of the Renault Filante in South Korea and other international territories [6]. Despite the success in 2025, executives remain cautious about the domestic landscape; Ivan Segal, the brand’s global sales director, noted that the company does not expect a rebound in the European market for the current year [2]. The Group is scheduled to present its full financial results on February 19, 2026 [2].

Sources

Electrification Automotive Industry