• Despite financial uncertainty and natural disasters, global sales increased 10 percent and exceeded 8 million units for the first time.
• Strongest growth came from emerging markets and the United States

PARIS, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ – The Renault-Nissan Alliance sold a record 8,029,222 units in 2011, a 10.3% increase from 2010, fuelled by robust sales in emerging markets and the United States.

Sales rose for the third consecutive year. Renault sold 2,722,062 units worldwide, up 3.6% from 2010. Nissan sold 4,669,981 units, up 14.4%. AvtoVAZ Lada accounted for 637,179 units, a 10.9 % increase compared to the previous year.

As a result, the Renault-Nissan Alliance captured 10.7%* of the global market in 2011, up from 10.3% the previous year.

"The Alliance capitalized on the resurgence of the US economy and gained significant market share in the regions that will drive growth in the 21st century," said Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn. "Double-digit sales growth is solid progress – particularly during a year in which we faced Japan's earthquake and tsunami, the abnormal strength of the yen, and financial turmoil in Europe."

Renault group highlights

In 2011, Renault posted record global sales of 2.7 million units, up 3.6% compared with a year ago, with 43% of those sales generated outside Europe. Sales outside Europe totaled a record 1,172,686 units, up 19.2%, driven by fast-expanding markets such as Russia (+40%), Turkey (+13%) and Latin America (+10%).

In terms of sales by brand, Renault led with 2,260,694 units sold, up 6.8% compared with a year ago, and accounting for 83% of the Group's sales. Sales of Dacia fell 1.8% due to supply constraints caused by the tsunami in Japan. Renault Samsung Motors fell 27%.

In 2011, six out of the Group's top ten markets were located outside Europe with Brazil replacing Germany as Renault's second-biggest market after France. Renault's sales in Brazil, where it plans to expand capacity in 2013, grew 21% to a record 194,300 units in a market that expanded 3%.

*Total passenger car and light commercial vehicle sales based on Renault's estimate of 74,793,900 units in 2011.

For the full release, go to: http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/media-resources/press-release