New special Editions to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dacia's re-birth.

• Dacia celebrates its 10^th anniversary with new ‘Lauréate Prime’ special editions
• Special edition adds styling and multimedia upgrades
• Available in the UK on Sandero, Duster and Logan MCV models
• On display at the Geneva Motor Show in March
• Full UK specification and pricing to be released in early Spring

Dacia will celebrate the 10th anniversary since its European re-launch in 2005 at the 85^th Geneva International Motor Show where new special edition versions of the Sandero, Duster and Logan MCV will be unveiled.

Ten years have passed since the Logan was launched in Europe in 2005, heralding the dawn of a bright new era for the Romanian brand Dacia, whose Renault-led rebirth proved to be the catalyst for unprecedented levels of success across the continent.

To celebrate these 10 glorious years, Dacia is producing a series of special edition versions across its range, including the Sandero, Duster and Logan MCV. In the UK, this special edition will be called ‘Lauréate Prime’. True to the brand’s ethos and image, these special edition vehicles will be well-equipped while remaining simple at heart, and will come in an exclusive metallic Cosmos Blue finish.

They will stand out through their distinctive styling trims and will be equipped with a new multimedia and navigation package as standard – Dacia MEDIA NAV Evolution.

Exclusive new Cosmos Blue finish

Blue is the colour traditionally associated with the Dacia brand, and these special edition versions will pay tribute to that by including exclusive metallic Cosmos Blue paintwork as standard.

Attention to detail for the exterior

The Lauréate Prime special edition versions stand out through a series of specific styling features, including ‘Dark Metal’ alloy wheels and door mirror housings.

A carefully-appointed interior

The standard Lauréate interior is enhanced by subtle touches of blue on the upholstery and seatbelts, complimenting the Cosmos Blue metallic exterior. Tasteful grey top-stitching for the seats and special front and rear blue-edged floor mats complete the look.

Generously equipped

The Lauréate Prime special edition versions benefit from a generous equipment specification, based on the existing top-of-the-range Lauréate trim. This includes the exclusive Cosmos Blue metallic finish, Dacia MEDIA NAV Evolution infotainment system, leather steering wheel, climate control for comfort, cruise control with speed limiter for safety and peace of mind, and electric front windows and remote central locking for convenience – all of which are ideal for motorists who use their vehicle on an everyday basis.

Dacia MEDIA NAV Evolution

Included as standard in the UK is the new-generation, user-friendly MEDIA NAV Evolution navigation system complete with a large seven-inch touch screen display. All the qualities from the original infotainment system are retained, including satellite navigation, multimedia capabilities that allow music streaming from devices through a USB, AUX or Bluetooth® connection and hands-free telephony capability.

In addition to this, Dacia MEDIA NAV Evolution adds TMC traffic information, access to social networks when connected to a smartphone via the main display and the ability to access Apple’s SIRI voice recognition function through steering wheel-mounted controls.

A special edition available with a choice of engines

The special edition versions will be available with engines from the current Dacia range and in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations for the Duster.

Reassuring three-year/60,000 miles warranty

As with every model in the Dacia range, the Lauréate Prime special edition versions come with a three-year/60,000 miles warranty.

Full details on UK specification and pricing will be available in early Spring.

Renault and Dacia at the 85th International Geneva Motor Show 2015.

• The Renault press conference at 11:45am on Tuesday, 3^rd March, will be presented by Laurens van den Acker, Senior VP, Corporate Design, and Michaël Van Der Sande, Senior VP Global Marketing
• World premiere of the KADJAR on the Renault stand
• Renault stand: Hall 4
• Dacia stand: Hall 2

The wraps will be completely off the All-New KADJAR when the 2015 Geneva Motor Show opens. A number of different versions of Renault’s new C-segment crossover will be on display.

A new motor for ZOE and a new Renaultsport will be amongst the other exhibits on Renault’s stand alongside the new Espace.

Dacia’s stand will feature a new limited edition version to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the brand’s renaissance.

Renault launches all new showroom style to keep customer experience high.

• Renault Store set to transform the Renault dealership experience
• UK dealer network to receive new ‘Renault Store’ layout by end of 2017
• Lookers Chester is first Renault dealer to receive the upgrade

Renault is transforming the way that customers experience their UK dealership network through the comprehensive roll-out of a new visual space identity concept called Renault Store. The changes will be implemented at all UK dealer sites by the end of 2017 and reflect changes in the way that consumers research their vehicle purchase and their expectations of a retail environment. The updated Renault Store showrooms will cater for this with more engaging displays, improved customer flows and interactive discovery zones.

Four key steps define the new Renault Store dealership experience – welcoming the customer, introducing the brand, displaying the range and exploring the products.

Welcoming the customer

A welcome desk and signage forms an instant focal point for the customer upon entering the dealership, at which they will be greeted by a host or hostess and pointed in the right direction for their visit – be that sales, or after-sales.

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Introducing the brand

Renault’s character and heritage will be thrust into the spotlight with the addition of the Brand Wall. A prominent yellow border will surround a large screen, on which informative and engaging content will be shown. Depending on showroom size, miniature model display cases will be available, demonstrating the progression of the Renault product line-up throughout its vibrant history.

Displaying the range

The showroom will be divided up into themed zones, displaying the Renault range to showroom visitors as clearly as possible. The ‘Headline Zone’ will show the newest model, the ‘Passion Zone’ displays recent models in a setting that emphasises the brand image, the ‘Z.E. Zone’ displays Renault’s fully-electric range of vehicles and the ‘Sport Zone’ puts Renault’s expertise in motorsport in the spotlight and showcases the Renaultsport range. The combination of zones in a dealership is adaptable – so will be tailored to each individual dealership’s needs and size.

Exploring the products

Two new facilities, the Brand Bar and the Configurator, will allow the customer to get to know the products in more detail than ever before and customise their new Renault or Dacia effortlessly. The Brand Bar creates an area where visitors can sit, and using the tablets provided, browse the ranges of models and view the latest pricing and offers. 

The Configurator takes vehicle customisation to the next level, with a large interactive display allowing customers, with or without guidance from a sales executive, to explore available vehicle options and customise a vehicle to the specification of their choosing.

A complete roll-out strategy is in place to ensure that all Renault Group dealer network sites across the UK will have the Renault Store look and layout by the end of 2017. Many of the Renault Retail Group sites, and a selection of initial partner dealerships, have begun the transformation process already, with over half of the network expecting to be converted by the end of 2015.

Lookers Chester became the first dealership in the UK to receive the Renault Store layout, kicking off what promises to be an exciting time for Renault and Dacia dealers and customers. Lookers has been part of the Renault dealer network since the 1980’s, with the dealership group building up a portfolio of six Renault Group sites across the UK, making it well-placed to begin the Renault Store transition.

Commenting on the transformation of Lookers Chester, David Cooper, Lookers General Manager, said: “At Lookers Chester we feel privileged to become the first Renault Store and are absolutely delighted to be chosen to begin the transition for the Renault dealer network. The Renault Store concept has made our dealership more informative and given us all the tools to help customers to make the right choice when buying their new Renault or Dacia.

“We’ve already noticed an improvement in sales, in both conquest and loyalty business, as well as overall customer satisfaction. This is a really strong period for Renault and Dacia, so the new showroom environment comes at a great time. We look forward to continuing our positive relationship with Renault and converting the rest of the Lookers sites into Renault Stores in the near future,” added Cooper.

Darren Payne, Sales Director, Renault UK commented: “As part of our GO5+ strategy the Renault and Dacia volumes continue to grow at a faster pace than the UK market, so it’s essential that our brand image keeps pace. Reflecting this we are rapidly deploying Renault Store across our dealer network in order to maintain the positive momentum we currently have.

“We chose the Lookers’ Chester site to begin the extensive Renault Store roll-out due to a long and successful relationship we have enjoyed with them, and our plan is to complete the Renault Store format across 60 per cent of the Renault dealer network by the end of 2015,” added Payne.

The introduction of the new dealership identity comes during a strong period of growth for Renault Group. 2014 saw 108,440 sales in the UK across the Renault Group, with Renault car sales rising by 43.7 per cent to 66,334 vehicles, Renault van sales increasing by 39.3 per cent to 18,244 vehicles, and Dacia sales up 39.2 per cent to 23,862 vehicles.

Renault Group posts more gains for last year, with Dacia helping to increase sales.

In 2014, sales of private cars + light commercial vehicles (PC+LCV) by the Renault group increased by 3.2% with 2,712,432 vehicles registered in a global automotive market that rose by 3.5%.

In Europe, the Renault group's market share reached the 10% threshold, up by 0.6 points. With 1,464,611 vehicles sold, the Group's volumes rose 12.5%, which was double the market growth. Thanks to the strong performance of the Renault and Dacia brands, driven by the success of the Clio, Captur, Duster and Sandero, the Group was able to offset the slowdown in its sales on the international market.

Affected by the economic and financial crises on its main emerging markets, the Group held firm and posted record market share in Brazil (7.1%) and Russia (7.9%), its second and third largest markets. Nevertheless, in this difficult context, car registrations outside Europe dropped 5.9%.

In summary, in 2014:

• The Renault group's PC+LCV sales rose 3.2% to 2.7 million units;
• The Renault group gained market shares in nine of its ten main markets;
• In Europe, Group market share was 10%: The Renault brand gained 0.2 points of market share, while Dacia gained 0.4 points. In the LCV segment, Renault maintained its leadership for the 17^thsuccessive year, with a 14.2% market share;
• Internationally, the Group held firm and increased its market share in six of its seven largest markets, including Brazil (7.1%) and Russia (7.9%).

"In 2014, Renault sales rose 3.2% to 2.7 million units and accounted for 10% of market share in Europe. The Group has taken a new step forward in its medium-term plan, Renault Drive the Change," declared Jérôme Stoll, a member of the Executive Committee, Chief Performance Officer and Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing.

EUROPE

In 2014, the Renault group recorded a 12.5% increase in new car registrations in a market that grew 5.9% and exceeded the 10% market share threshold (up 0.6 points). The Group increased its volumes and market share across nearly all markets. The most substantial growth was recorded in the United Kingdom (+41.9%), Portugal (+42.1%), Spain (+30.2%) and Italy (+28.9%).

- The Renault brand is the third largest on the PC+LCV market with 7.6% of market share (+0.2 points). Renault is the leader in France and has regained its position as the second brand in Spain. Thanks to the Clio and Captur, Renault succeeded in taking first place on the urban vehicle market (A and B segments). In the LCV segment, Renault maintained its lead for the 17^th successive year (with a 14.2% market share).

- For the second year running, the Dacia brand recorded the strongest increase in market share in Europe: +0.4 points at 2.5%. In France, Dacia, the fifth brand on the market, gained 0.5 points to 4.9% market penetration, mainly driven by the success of Duster and Sandero (the third best-selling vehicle for private customers). 

In Spain, thanks to Sandero, the top-selling vehicle for private individuals, Dacia increased its market share by 0.7 points to 4.7% of market share and 45,986 new car registrations. Dacia also posted record volumes and market share in nearly all European countries, such as in Italy (2.7% of market share and nearly 40,000 registrations) or in the United Kingdom where Dacia has already conquered nearly 1 point of market share after only two years on the market (23,862 new customers in 2014).

- In France, the Renault group gained 1.3 points of market share, at 26.6% and increased sales volumes by 5.5% compared with 2013. With over 105,000 registrations, Clio is the best-selling car on the French market, while Captur is the most popular crossover. The Group has five vehicles among the top 10 best-selling passenger cars. For the LCV segment, the brand dominates the market with 31.7% of market share and a 1.3% increase in new car registrations.

INTERNATIONAL

Against a backdrop of downturn in its main emerging markets, Renault held its own, gaining market share in Russia, Brazil, Turkey and Algeria. Nevertheless, Group new car registrations dropped 5.9% outside Europe to 1,247,821 units. They represent 46% of the Group's total registrations, against 50% in 2013.

Eurasia Region⁽¹⁾

In 2014, the Renault Group's market share rose by 0.7 points to 10.3%. Thanks to its sales in Russia and Turkey, the Group outperformed the market with a 5.4% drop in registrations, in a market that slumped by 11.5%.

- In Russia, its third largest market, Renault, driven by the success of the Duster (once again the leading SUV on the market in 2014) and the successful launch of the New Logan and New Sandero, posted a record market share of 7.9% (+0.3 points) in a gloomy economic and monetary context.

- Renault also continued its expansion in the CIS with volumes up 42.5% and a significant increase in market share at 5.9% (+1.7 points).

- In Turkey, the market dropped 10%, however the Group gained 0.4 points of market share

(17.4%). Renault is the country's second largest brand.

- In Romania, Dacia, the national manufacturer, continues to be the market leader. Overall, the Renault group has a total of 38.6% of market share in the country, with sales up by 21.3%.

Americas region

With 416,934 new car registrations, the Group lost 10.7% in volume, in a sluggish market that dropped by 7.5%, mainly due to the economic situation in Argentina. The Renault group achieved a market share of 6.4% (down 0.2 points), thanks to its success in Brazil.

- Brazil continued to be the Group's second largest market. Despite a 7% drop in MTM, Renault registered 237,187 new units (+0.3%). The brand's market share thus reached a record high at 7.1% (+0.5 points).

- In Argentina, in a difficult local economic context, Renault chose to limit its exposure to the peso and consequently the quantity of its imports. This affected registrations, which fell 39.8% compared with 2013, as well as market share, which slipped 2.5 points to 12.9%.

- In Colombia, Renault is the second largest brand on the market and posted record sales with 50,362 units (+13.5%) and a market share of 16.6% (+0.5 points).

Africa, Middle East and India Region⁽²⁾ 

With 308,012 new car registrations, the Group's volumes dropped 9.2% in 2014 in the region and its market share stood at 3.8% (-0.7 points). Some of the Group's key markets, such as North Africa (-13.2%) and India (-0.8%) declined.

- the Group asserted itself as the leader in the Algerian market with 26.9% of market share, up 0.7 points, in a market that dropped by 19.8%. This performance placed the Renault and Dacia brands in first and third position. The Renault plant in Oran, inaugurated in November 2014, will reinforce Renault's position as a key player on the Algerian automotive market.

- In Morocco where the market is stable (up 1.1%), the Group is the market leader with a 37% market share. Once again, its brands Dacia and Renault topped sales with 45,174 vehicles sold.

- In India, Renault remained the leading European brand with a 1.5% market share and 44,849 new registrations, despite a trough in its product cycle.

Asia-Pacific region

With 133,172 units, the Group's volumes took off, rising 23% in a market that rose 4.6%. Renault Samsung Motors' Revival Plan in Korea drives growth.

- In Korea, in a private car market that rose 9%, Renault Samsung Motors recorded a further sharp increase in volumes (+33.3%) and market share (+1 point to 5.7%) notably due to the confirmed success of the QM3, which has sold nearly 20,000 units since it was put on the market in late 2013. 

- In China, the Group recorded a total of 34,067 new registrations. A year after the creation of Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC), its joint venture with Dongfeng, Renault is gearing up for the successful launch of its first locally manufactured vehicles in 2016.

2015 sales outlook for the Renault group

In 2015, the global market is expected to record modest growth of 2% compared with 2014. The European market is also expected to grow by 1 to 2%, with France remaining stable.

“In 2015, in a market context that remains uncertain, we will continue to move ahead with our Medium-Term Plan, Renault Drive the Change. We are forecasting an increase in our global volumes, the strengthening of our position in Europe and improvements in our positions on our main emerging markets. Our growth will be sustained by an accelerated product plan, with five new models" declared Jérôme Stoll, Executive Committee Member, Chief Performance Officer and Executive Vice-President Sales and Marketing.

Group sales by region PC+LCV

	At end December 2014	At end December 2013	% var
France	577,601	547,694	5.5
Europe* (excluding France)	887,010	754,202	17.6
France + Europe Total	1,464,611	1,301,896	12.5
Eurasia	389,703	411,870	-5.4
Americas	416,934	466,891	-10.7
Africa, Middle East and India	308,012	339,289	-9.2
Asia Pacific	133,172	108,237	23.0
Total Excl France + Europe	1,247,821	1,326,287	-5.9
World	2,712,432	2,628,183	3.2

* Europe = EU (28 countries - Bulgaria & Romania) + Balkans (5 countries) + Iceland, Norway and Switzerland

December YTD

	At end December 2014	At end December 2013	% var
RENAULT
PC	1,811,343	1,837,737	-1.4
LCV	307,501	293,753	4.7
PC+LCV	2,118,844	2,131,490	-0.6
DACIA
PC	474,624	399,605	18.8
LCV	36,841	29,991	22.8
PC+LCV	511,465	429,596	19.1
RENAULT SAMSUNG MOTORS
PC	82,123	67,097	22.4
RENAULT GROUP
PC	2,368,090	2,304,439	2.8
LCV	344,342	323,744	6.4
PC+LCV	2,712,432	2,628,183	3.2

The Group's main markets at end December 2014

	Country	Sales PC + LCV	Market share		Country	Sales PC + LCV	Market share
1	FRANCE	577,601	26.6%	9	ALGERIA	91,800	26.9%
2	BRAZIL	237,187	7.1%	10	ARGENTINA	84,946	12.9%
3	RUSSIA	194,531	7.9%	11	SOUTH KOREA	80,003	4.9%
4	GERMANY	173,479	5.3%	12	BELGIUM + LUXEMBOURG	77,303	13.0%
5	TURKEY	133,212	17.4%	13	COLOMBIA	50,362	16.6%
6	ITALY	130,996	8.9%	14	MOROCCO	45,174	37.0%
7	SPAIN	127,666	13.2%	15	INDIA	44,849	1.5%
8	UNITED KINGDOM	109,014	3.9%

The Group's 5 best PC sales at end December 2014
1	Duster (Renault+Dacia)	395,350	234,883 Renault	160,467 Dacia
2	Renault Clio IV	378,526
3	New Logan (Renault+Dacia)	234,766	137,357 Renault	97,409 Dacia
4	New Sandero (Renault+Dacia)	227,036	58,927 Renault	168,109 Dacia
5	Captur (Renault+RSM)	196,592	178,401 Renault	18,191 RSM