Renault S.A.

Renault S.A. (French pronunciation: [ʁəno]) (Euronext: RNO) is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past,autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans, tanks, and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the fourth-largest automotive group. Sony VAIO PCG-3B1M Battery

Together Renault and Nissan are leading electric car development among major car companies, investing 4 billion euros ($5.16 billion) in eight electric vehicles over the next 3–4 years.^[4] Headquartered inBoulogne-Billancourt, Renault owns the Romanian automaker Automobile Dacia and the Korean automaker Renault Samsung Motors. Sony VAIO PCG-3C1T Battery

Renault also owns subsidiaries RCI Banque (providing automotive financing) and Motrio (automotive parts). Renault Trucks, previously Renault Vehicules Industriels, has been part of Volvo Trucks since 2001. Renault Agriculture became 100% owned by German agricultural equipment manufacturer CLAAS in 2008. Sony VAIO PCG-3D1M Battery

Lebanese Brazilian Carlos Ghosn is the current chairman and CEO. The company's most successful cars to date are theRenault Clio and the Renault Mégane, and its core market is Europe.^[5] The company is known for its role in motor sport, and its success over the years in rallying and Formula 1. The French government owns a 15 percent share of Renault. Sony VAIO PCG-3G2M Battery

The Renault corporation was founded in 1899 as Société Renault Frères by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel andFernand. Louis was a bright, aspiring young engineer who had already designed and built several models before teaming up with his brothers, who had honed their business skills working for their father's textiles firm. Sony VAIO PCG-5R1M Battery

While Louis handled design and production, Marcel and Fernand handled company management.

The first Renault car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV was sold to a friend of Louis' father after giving him a test ride on 24 December 1898. Sony VAIO PCG-7141M Battery

The client was so impressed with the way the tiny car ran and how it climbed the streets that he bought it.The brothers recognised the publicity that could be obtained for their vehicles by participation in motor racing and Renault made itself known through achieving instant success in the first city-to-city races held in Switzerland resulting in rapid expansion for the company. Sony VAIO PCG-7143M Battery

Both Louis and Marcel Renault raced company vehicles, but Marcel was killed in an accident during the 1903 Paris-Madrid race. Although Louis Renault never raced again, his company remained very involved, including Ferenc Szisz winning the first Grand Prix motor racing event^[6] in a Renault AK 90CV in 1906. Sony VAIO PCG-7151M Battery

Louis was to take full control of the company as the only remaining brother in 1906 when Fernand retired for health reasons.The Renault reputation for innovation was fostered from very early on. At the time, cars were very much luxury items, and the price of the smallest Renaults available being 3000 francs reflected this; Sony VAIO PCG-7154M Battery

an amount it would take ten years for the average worker at the time to earn. In 1905 the company introduced mass-production techniques, and Taylorism in 1913. As well as cars, Renault manufactured taxis, busesand commercial cargo vehicles in the pre-war years, and during World War I (1914–18) branched out into ammunition, Sony VAIO PCG-7162M Battery

military airplanes and vehicles such as the revolutionary Renault FT-17 tank.^[7] The company's military designs were so successful that Renault himself was awarded the Legion of Honour for his company's contributions to the war.The company also exported their engines overseas to American auto manufacturers for use in such automobiles as the GJG which used a Renault 26 hp or 40 hp four-cylinder engine. Sony VAIO PCG-7181M Battery

Louis Renault enlarged the scope of his company after 1918, producing agricultural and industrial machinery. However, Renault struggled to compete with the increasingly popular small, affordable "people's cars", while problems with the stock market and the workforce also adversely affected the company's growth. Sony VAIO PCG-41112M Battery

Renault also had to find a way to distribute its vehicles more efficiently. In 1920, he signed one of its first distribution contracts with Gustave Gueudet, an entrepreneur from northern France.

The pre-First World War cars had a distinctive front shape caused by positioning the radiator behind the engine to give a so-called "coalscuttle" bonnet. Sony VAIO PCG-7153M Battery

This continued through the 1920s and it was not until 1930 that all models had the radiator at the front. The bonnet badge changed from circular to the familiar and continuing diamond shape in 1925. Renault models were introduced at the Paris Motor Show which was held in September or October of the year. Sony VAIO PCG-71312M Battery

This has led to a slight confusion as to vehicle identification. For example a "1927" model was mostly produced in 1928.Renault produced a range of cars from small to very large. For example in 1928 which was the year when Renault produced 45,809 cars the range of 7 models started with a 6cv, a 10cv, the Monasix, 15cv, the Vivasix, the 18/22cv and the 40cv.Sony VAIO PCG-7144M Battery

There was a range of factory bodies, of up to 8 styles, and the larger chassis were available to coachbuilders. The number of a model produced varied with size. The smaller were the most popular with the least produced being the 18/24cv. The most expensive factory body style in each range was the closed car. Roadsters and tourers (torpedoes) were the cheapest.Sony VAIO PCG-7191L Battery

The London operation was very important to Renault in 1928. The UK market was quite large and from there "colonial" modified vehicles were dispatched. Lifted suspensions, enhanced cooling and special bodies were common on vehicles sold to the colonies. Sony VAIO PCG-3C1M Battery

Exports to the USA by 1928 had almost reduced to zero from their high point prior to WW1 when to ship back a Grand Renault or similar high class European manufactured car was common. A NM 40cv Tourer had a USA list price of over $4,600 being about the same as a V12 Cadillac Tourer. Sony VAIO PCG-3F1M Battery

Closed 7-seat limousines started at $6,000 which was more expensive than a Cadillac V16 Limousine.

The whole range was conservatively engineered and built. The newly introduced 1927 Vivasix, model PG1, was sold as the "executive sports" model. Sony VAIO PCG-3H1M Battery

Lighter weight factory steel bodies powered by a 3180 cc six-cylinder motor provided a formula that went through to the Second World War.

The "de Grand Luxe Renaults", that is any with over 12-foot (3.7 m) wheelbase, were produced in very small numbers in two major types – six- and eight-cylinder. Sony VAIO PCG-3J1M Battery

The 1927 six-cylinder Grand Renault models NM, PI and PZ introduced the new three spring rear suspension that considerably aided road holding that was needed as with some body styles over 90 mph (140 km/h) was possible. The 8-cylinder Reinastella was introduced in 1929. This model led on to a range culminating in the 1939 Suprastella. Sony VAIO PCG-8141M Battery

Coachbuilders included Kellner, Labourdette, J.Rothschild et Fils and Renault bodies. Closed car Renault bodies were often trimmed and interior wood work completed by Rothschild.

Renault also introduced in 1928 an upgraded specification to the larger cars designated "Stella". Sony VAIO PCG-8161M Battery

Vivastella's and Grand Renaults had upgraded interior fittings and had a small star fitted above the front hood Renault diamond. This proved to be a winning marketing differentiator and in the 1930s all cars changed to the Stella suffix from the previous two alpha character model identifiers. Sony VAIO PCG-3C2M Battery

The Grand Renaults were built using a considerable amount of aluminium. Engines, brakes, transmissions, floor and running boards and all external body panels were aluminium. Of the few that were built, many went to scrap to aid the war effort.

After the French capitulation in 1940, Louis Renault refused to produce tanks for Nazi Germany, which took control of his factories. Sony VAIO PCG-5N2M Battery

He produced lorries for the German occupiers instead. On 3 March 1942, the RAF launched 235 low-level bombers at theBillancourt plant, the largest number of aircraft aimed at a single target during the war.^[9] 460 tons of bombs were dropped on the plant and the surrounding area, causing extensive damage to the plant along with heavy civilian casualties. Sony VAIO PCG-5P1M Battery

Renault resolved to rebuild the factory as quickly as possible, but a further heavy bombardment a year later, on 4 April, this time delivered by the Americans, caused further damage, as did subsequent allied bombardments on 3 and 15 September 1943.^[10] Sony VAIO PCG-5S1M Battery

A few weeks after the Liberation of Paris, at the start of September 1944, the factory gates at Renault’s Billancourt plant reopened.^[10] Operations restarted only very slowly, in an atmosphere poisoned by plotting and political conspiracy, undertaken in the name of popular justice. Sony VAIO PCG-9Z1M Battery

 Back in 1936 the Billancourt factory had been at the heart of violent political and industrial unrest that had surfaced in France under Leon Blum’s Popular Front government: although the political jostling and violence that followed the liberation was ostensibly a backlash from the rivalries between capitalist collaboration and communist resistance, Sony VAIO PCG-7171M Battery

many of the scores being settled actually predated the German invasion.^[10] Responding to the chaotic situation at Renault, on 27 September 1944 a meeting of the Council of (the provisional government's) Ministers took place underde Gaulle’s presidency. Postwar European politics had quickly become polarised between communists and anti-communists,Sony VAIO PCG-7186M Battery

and in France De Gaulle was keen to resist Communist Party attempts to monopolise the political dividends available to resistanceheroes: politically Billancourt was a communist stronghold. The government decided to "requisition" the Renault factories.^[10] A week later, on 4 October Pierre Lefaucheux, Sony VAIO PCG-81112M Battery

a resistance leader with a background in engineering and top-level management, was appointed provisional administrator of the firm, assuming his responsibilities at once.^[10]

Meanwhile the provisional government accused Louis Renault of collaborating with the Germans. Sony VAIO PCG-31311M Battery

In the frenzied atmosphere of those early post-liberation days, with many wild accusations against him, but believing himself innocent of the crimes of collaboration, Renault was advised by his lawyers not to flee the country, but to present himself to a judge. He presented himself to Judge Marcel Martin, on 22 September 1944. Sony VAIO PCG-8152M Battery

Louis Renault was arrested on 23 September 1944, like several other French auto-industry leaders at the time.^[10] He was incarcerated at Fresnes prison where he died On 24 October 1944 under unclear circumstances,^[11] while awaiting trial.^[12] Sony VAIO PCG-31111M Battery

On 1 January 1945, by decree of General Charles de Gaulle based on the untried^[11] accusations of collaboration, the company was expropriated from Louis Renault posthumously and on 16 January 1945 it was formally nationalised as Régie Nationale des Usines Renault.Renault's were the only factories permanently expropriated by the French government. Sony VAIO PCG-61111M Battery

Under the leadership of Pierre Lefaucheux, Renault experienced both a commercial resurgence as well as labor unrest – that was ultimately to continue into the 1980s.

In secrecy during the war, Louis Renault had developed the rear engine 4CV^[14] which was subsequently launched under Lefacheux in 1946. Sony VAIO PCG-51112M Battery

Renault debuted its flagship model, the largely conventional 2-litre 4-cylinder Renault Frégate (1951–1960), shortly thereafter. The 4CV proved itself a capable rival for cars such as the Morris Minor and Volkswagen Beetle; its sales of more than half a million ensured its production until 1961. Sony VAIO PCG-51211M Battery

After the success of the 4CV, Lefacheux continued to defy the postwar French Ministry of Industrial Production, which had wanted to convert Renault solely to truck manufacture,^[15] by directing the development of its successor. He oversaw the prototyping of the Dauphine (until his death) – enlisting the help of artist Paule Marrot in pioneering the company's textile and color division. Sony VAIO PCG-51212M Battery

The Dauphine sold extremely well as the company expanded production and sales further abroad, including Africa and North America. The Dauphine sold well initially in the US, where it subsequently became outdated against increased competition, including from the country's nascent domestic compacts such as theChevrolet Corvair. Sony VAIO PCG-41111M Battery

Renault subsequently launched two cars which became very successful – the Renault 4 (1961–1992), a practical competitor for the likes of the Citroën 2CV, andRenault 8. The larger rear-engined Renault 10 followed the success of the R8, and was the last of the rear-engined Renaults. Sony VAIO PCG-41111V Battery

The company achieved success with the more modern and more upmarket Renault 16, a pioneering hatchback launched in 1966, followed by the smaller Renault 6.

Modern era (1972–1980)

The company's compact and economical Renault 5 model, launched in 1972, was another success, particularly in the wake of the 1973 energy crisis. Sony VAIO PCG-61412V Battery

Soon after, the four-door Renault 12 model slotted into the Renault range between the Renault 6 and Renault 16, and introduced a new styling theme. Throughout the 1970s the R4, R5, R6, R12, R15, R16 and R17 maintained Renault's production with further new models launched including the Renault 18 and Renault 20. Sony VAIO PCG-71112M Battery

Endangered like all of the motor industry by the energy crisis, during the mid seventies the already expansive company diversified further into other industries and continued to expand globally, including into South East Asia. The energy crisis also provoked Renault's attempt to reconquer the North American market; Sony VAIO PCG-81111V Battery

despite the Dauphine's success in the United States in the late 1950s, and an unsuccessful car-assembly project in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec, (1964–72), Renault as a stand-alone brand, began to disappear from North America at the end of the '70s. Sony VAIO PCG-81111V Battery

Throughout the decades Renault developed a collaborative partnership with Nash Motors Rambler and its successor American Motors Corporation (AMC). From 1962 to 1967, Renault assembled complete knock down (CKD) kits of the Rambler Classic sedans in its factory in Belgium. Sony VAIO PCG-81212M Battery

Renault did not have large or luxury cars in its product line and the "Rambler Renault" would be aimed as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz "Fintail" cars. Later, Renault would continue to make and sell a hybrid of AMC's Rambler American and Rambler Classic called the Renault Torino in Argentina (sold through IKA-Renault). Sony VAIO PCG-81212V Battery

Renault partnered with AMC on other projects, such as development of a rotary concept engine in the late 60s.

This was one of a series of collaborative ventures undertaken by Renault in the late 1960s and 1970s, as the company established subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, Sony VAIO PCG-51111M Battery

most notably Dacia in Romania, and South America (many of which remain active to the present day) and forged technological cooperation agreements with Volvo and Peugeot (for instance, for the development of the PRV V6 engine, which was used in Renault 30, Peugeot 604, and Volvo 260 in the late 1970s.). Sony VAIO VPCS13X9E/B battery

In the mid 1960s an Australian arm, Renault Australia, was set up in Heidelberg, Melbourne, the company would produce and assemble models from the R8, R10, R12, R16, sporty R15, R17 coupe's to the R18 and R20, soon the company would close in 1981. Renault Australia did not just concentrate on Renaults, they also built and marketed Peugeots as well. Sony VAIO VPCS12V9E/B battery

From 1977, they assembled Ford Cortina station wagons under contract- the loss of this contract led to the closure of the factory.

In North America, Renault formed a partnership with American Motors, lending AMC operating capital and buying a small percentage of the company in late 1979. Sony VAIO VPCS12V9E/B battery

Jeep was keeping AMC afloat until new products, particularly the XJ Cherokee, could be launched. When the bottom fell out of the 4×4 truck market in early 1980 AMC was in danger of going bankrupt. To protect its investment, Renault bailed AMC out with a big cash influx – at the price of a controlling interest in the company of 47.5%. Sony VAIO VPCF13M8E/B battery

Renault quickly replaced some top AMC executives with their own people.

The Renault–AMC partnership also resulted in the marketing of Jeep vehicles in Europe. Some consider the Jeep XJ Cherokee as a joint AMC/Renault project since some early sketches of the XJ Sony VAIO VPCF13Z0E/B battery

series were made in collaboration by Renault and AMC engineers (AMC insisted that the XJ Cherokee was designed by AMC personnel; however, a former Renault engineer designed the Quadra-Link front suspension for the XJ series). The Jeep also used wheels and seats from Renault. Sony VAIO VPCM13M1E/L battery

Part of AMC's overall strategy when the partnership was first discussed was to save manufacturing cost by using Renault sourced parts when practical, and some engineering expertise. This led to the improvement of the venerable AMC in-line six – a Renault/Bendix based port electronic fuel injection system Sony VAIO VPCM13M1E/W battery

(usually called Renix) that transformed it into a modern, competitive powerplant with a jump from 110 hp (82 kW) to 177 hp (132 kW) with less displacement (from 4.2L to 4.0L).

The Renault-AMC marketing effort in passenger cars was not as successful compared to the popularity for Jeep vehicles. Sony VAIO VPCF22M1E battery

This was because by the time the Renault range was ready to become established in the American market, the second energy crisis was over, taking with it much of the trend for economical, compact cars. One exception was the Renault Alliance (an Americanized version of the Renault 9), Sony VAIO VPCF11M1E/H battery

which debuted for the 1983 model year. Assembled at AMC's plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Alliance received Motor Trend's domestic Car of The Year award in 1983. The Alliance's 72% U.S. content allowed it to qualify as a domestic vehicle, making it the first car with a foreign nameplate to win the award Sony VAIO VPCF13M0E/B battery

since the magazine established a separate Import Car of The Year prize in 1976. (In 2000, Motor Trend did away with separate awards for domestic and imported vehicles.)

Renault sold some interesting models in the U.S. in the 1980s, especially the simple-looking but fun Renault Alliance GTA and GTA convertible –Sony VAIO VPCYB2M1E battery

an automatic-top convertible with a 2.0 L engine – big for a car of its class; and the ahead-of-its-time Renault Fuego coupe. The Alliance was followed by the Encore (U.S. version of the Renault 11), an Alliance-based hatchback. In 1982 Renault become the second European automaker to build cars in the United States, afterVolkswagen. Sony VAIO VPCYB3V1E battery

However, Renault's Wisconsin-built and imported models quickly became the target of customer complaints for poor quality, and sales plummeted.

Eventually, Renault sold AMC to Chrysler in 1987 after the assassination of Renault’s chairman, Georges Besse. Sony VAIO VPCY11M1E battery

The Renault Medallion (Renault 21 in Europe) sedan and wagon was sold from 1987 to 1989 through Jeep-Eagle dealerships. Jeep-Eagle was the new division Chrysler created out of the former American Motors. However, Renault products were no longer imported into the United States after 1989. Sony VAIO VPCS12L9E/B battery

A completely new full-sized 4-door sedan, the Eagle Premier, was developed during the partnership between AMC and Renault. The Premier design, as well as its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, were the starting point for the sleek LH sedans such as the Eagle Vision and Chrysler 300M. Sony VAIO VPCF11S1E/B battery

In the late seventies and early eighties Renault increased its involvement in motorsport, with novel inventions such as turbochargers in their Formula One cars. The company's road car designs were revolutionary also – the Renault Espace was one of the first minivans and was to remain the most well-known minivan in Europe for at least the next two decades. Sony VAIO VPCYB3V1E/R Battery

The second-generation Renault 5, the European Car of the Year-winning Renault 9, and the most luxurious Renault yet, the 25 were all released in the early 1980s, building Renault's reputation, but at the same time the company suffered from poor product quality which reflected badly in the image of the brand and the ill-fated Renault 14 is seen by many as the culmination of these problems in the early 1980s. Sony VAIO VPCF23P1E Battery

Restructuring (1981–95)

Although its cars were somewhat successful both on the road and on the track, including the 1984 launch the Espace – Europe's first multi-purpose vehicle – Renault was losing a billion francs a month and reported a deficit of 12.5 billion in 1984. Sony VAIO VPCF23N1E Battery

The government intervened and Georges Besse was installed as chairman; he set about cutting costs dramatically, selling off many of Renault's non-core assets, withdrawing almost entirely from motorsports, and laying off many employees. This succeeded in halving the deficit by 1986, Sony VAIO VPCY21S1E/L Battery

but he was murdered by the communist terrorist group Action Directe in November 1986. He was replaced by Raymond Lévy, who continued along the same lines as Besse, slimming down the company considerably with the result that by the end of 1987 the company was more or less financially stable. Sony VAIO VPCY21S1E/G battery

A revitalised Renault launched several successful new cars in the early 1990s, including the successful 5 replacement, theClio in 1990. The Clio is the first new model of a generation which will see the numeric models replaced by new cars with traditional nameplates. Sony VAIO VPCF24M1E battery

Other important launched included the second-generation Espace and the innovative Twingo in 1992. In the mid-1990s the successor to the R19, the Renault Mégane, was the first car ever to achieve a 4-star rating, the highest at the time, inEuroNCAP crash test in passenger safety. HP 448007-001 battery

It was eventually decided that the company's state-owned status was detrimental to its growth, and Renault was privatized in 1996. This new freedom allowed the company to venture once again into Eastern Europe and South America, including a new factory in Brazil and upgrades for the infrastructure in Argentina andTurkey. HP Pavilion DV7 battery

Signed on 27 March 1999, the Renault–Nissan Alliance is the first of its kind involving a Japanese and a French company, each with its own distinct corporate culture and brand identity, linked through cross-shareholding. Renault initially acquires a 36.8% stake at a cost of US$3.5 billion in Nissan, HP DV6-1120SA battery

while Nissan in turn has a 15 percent stake (non-voting) in Renault. Renault continued to operate as a stand-alone company, but with the intent to collaborate with its alliance partner to reduce costs in developing new products. In the same year Renault bought 99% of the Romanian company Dacia, HP DV6-1210SA battery

thus returning after 30 years, in which time the Romanians built over 2 million cars, which primarily consisted of the Renault 8, 12 and 20.

Following the sale of the Renault Vehicules Industrials truck and bus division to Volvo in 2001, Renault retained a minority (but controlling) stake (20%) in the Volvo Group. Compaq CQ50 battery

 (Volvo passenger cars are now a subsidiary of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group).

In the twenty-first century, Renault was to foster a reputation for distinctive, outlandish design. HP Pavilion DV8 battery

The second generation of the Laguna and Mégane featured ambitious, angular designs which turned out to be successful, with the 2000 Laguna being the first European family car to feature "keyless" entry and ignition. Less successful were the company's more upmarket models. Sony VGP-BPS13 battery

The Avantime, a bizarre coupé / multi-purpose vehicle, sold very poorly and was quickly discontinued while the luxury Vel Satis model did not sell as well as hoped. However, the design inspired the lines of the second-generation Mégane, the most successful car of the maker. HP DV9700 battery

As well as its distinctive styling, Renault was to become known for its car safety; currently, it's the car manufacturer with the largest number of models achieving the maximum 5 star rating in EuroNCAP crash tests. The Laguna was the first Renault to achieve a 5 star rating; in 2004 the Modus was the first to achieve this rating in its category. Compaq CQ35-100 battery

For 2004 Renault reported a 43% rise in net income to €3.5 billion and 5.9% operating margin, of which Nissan contributed €1,767 million. The Group (Renault, Dacia, Renault Samsung Motors) posted a 4.2% increase in worldwide sales to a record 2,489,401 vehicles, representing a global market share of 4.1%. Sony VGP-BPS11 battery

Renault retained its position as the leading brand in Europe with 1.8 million passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold and market share of 10.8%. In 2005 the Renault–Nissan Alliance held 9.8% of the worldwide market (5.74% for Nissan and 4.04% for the Renault group) with sales of 3,597,748 (Nissan) and 2,531,500 (Renault Group), HP Pavilion DV9900 Battery

placing the alliance fourth after GM, Toyota, and Ford. For the calendar year of 2008, its total global sales were 6,090,304, a decrease of 1.1% against a global industry market decline of 5%, resulting in a 9.4% share, up from 9.1% in 2007.^[16] Renault has regularly topped the French car sales charts, fighting off fierce competition from Citroën and Peugeot. HP Pavilion DV9901TX Battery

With dropping sales 4800 jobs were cut in 2008, partly because of poor performance of the Laguna.^[17]

In April 2010, Renault-Nissan announced a new alliance with Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler with Renault supplying Mercedes-Benz with its brand new 1.6 LHP Pavilion DV9903CA Battery

turbodiesel engine and Mercedes-Benz to provide a 2.0 L four-cylinder petrol engine to Renault-Nissan.^[18] The resulting new alliance is to also develop a new model to replace the Smart with a new model based on the Renault Twingo. HP Pavilion DV9904CA Battery

Renault-Nissan Alliance is a strategic Franco-Japanese partnership between automobile manufacturers Renault, based in Paris, France and Nissan, based in Yokohama, Japan, which together sell more than one in 10 cars worldwide.^[1] The companies, which have been strategic partners since 1999, have nearly 350,000 employees and control six major brands: HP Pavilion DV9905EL Battery

Renault, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault Samsung Motors, Dacia and Lada.^[2] They sold about 8 million cars in nearly 200 countries in 2011, behind General Motors and Volkswagen for total volume.^[3]

The strategic partnership between Renault and Nissan is not a merger or an acquisition. HP Pavilion DV9907CA Battery

The two companies are joined together through a cross-shareholding agreement. The structure was unique in the auto industry during the 1990s consolidation trend and later served as a model for General Motors and PSA Peugeot Citroën,^[4] PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen and Suzuki,^[5] though the later combination failed.^[6] HP Pavilion DV9908CA Battery

The Alliance itself has broadened its scope substantially, forming additional partnerships with automakers including Germany's Daimler, China's Dongfeng Motor, and Russia's AvtoVAZ.

The Alliance is a strategic partnership based on the rationale that, due to substantial cross-shareholding investments, HP Pavilion DV9910CA Battery

each company acts in the financial interest of the other—while maintaining individual brand identities and independent corporate cultures. Renault currently has a 44.3 percent stake in Nissan, and Nissan holds a 15 percent stake in Renault. Although more companies have adopted such an arrangement, it remains controversial. HP Pavilion DV9910EB Battery

Some business journalists have speculated that the companies should be joined in a conventional merger in order to make a "bold" move,^[8](subscription required) while other interested parties have said that the companies should separate.^[9]

Carlos Ghosn is the Chairman and CEO of the Alliance. Ghosn is a Brazilian-Lebanese-French HP Pavilion DV9910US Battery

businessman who is also Chairman and CEO of Nissan Motors and holds the same positions at Renault.^[10] Ghosn has compared the Renault-Nissan partnership to a marriage: "A couple does not assume a converged, single identity when they get married. Instead, they retain their own individuality and join to build a life together, HP Pavilion DV9912NR Battery

united by shared interests and goals, each bringing something different to the union. In business, regardless of the industry, the most successful and enduring partnerships are those created with a respect for identity as the constant guiding principle."^[11]

Ghosn has refuted calls for a conventional merger or separation,^[12] HP Pavilion DV9913CL Battery

advocating an evolutionary approach that results in more and more joint development between the two companies.^[13] "You have to be careful that at the end of the day, by trying to do more in the short-term you don't end up destroying what had been delivering so much result on the mid-term and long-term, HP Pavilion DV9917CL Battery

" Ghosn was quoted as saying in March 2011 Reuters Special Report, in which he said conventional acquisitions in the auto industry in the past decade have failed.^[14] "It is not validated by any example in the car industry that this works. Not one example. And saying something different is just rubbish." HP Pavilion DV9920US Battery

The goal of the Alliance is to increase economies of scale for both Renault and Nissan without forcing one company's identity to be consumed by the other's. The Alliance achieves scale and speeds time to market by jointly developing engines, batteries and other key components.^[15] HP Pavilion DV9922US Battery

For instance, Renault builds nearly all of the diesel engines in Nissan cars sold in Europe. Nissan’s market share increases in Europe have been a result of badging various Renault van models such as the Renault Kangoo/Nissan Kubistar, Renault Master/Nissan Interstar, Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar.^[16] HP Pavilion DV9924CA Battery

Collaboration between Renault and Nissan focuses on capital-intensive research projects such as sustainable, zero-emission transportation^[17] and development of automobile manufacturing in emerging markets such as Russia and India.^[18] HP Pavilion DV9925EZ Battery

The Alliance also oversees purchasing for both companies, ensuring larger volume and thus better pricing with suppliers.^[19] The Alliance reported more than €1.5 billion in synergies in 2010.^[20]

The Alliance develops “best practices,” borrowing systems and controls from one company to strengthen the other company where appropriate. HP Pavilion DV9925NR Battery

The “Nissan Production Way” became the cornerstone of the "Système de Production Renault" standard used by all Renault factories. Renault reported productivity increasing by 15 percent due to the new system.^[21]

The Renault-Nissan Alliance began March 27, 1999. At the time, the auto industry was in a period of rapid consolidation. HP Pavilion DV9927CL Battery

Numerous companies merged or were acquired in high-profile deals, most notably Daimler’s acquisition of Chrysler in 1998 (which dissolved in 2007, when the companies separated^[22]).

At the time it was created, Renault bought 36.8 percent of Nissan's outstanding stock, and Nissan vowed to buy into Renault when it was financially able. HP Pavilion DV9930EB Battery

In 2001, after the company's turnaround from near-bankruptcy, Nissan bought a 15 percent stake in Renault, which in turn increased its stake in Nissan to 44.4 percent.^[23]

In 2002, the Alliance created the Renault-Nissan BV (RNBV), a strategic management company to oversee areas such as corporate governance between the two companies. HP Pavilion DV9930EF Battery

Based in Amsterdam, it is owned 50/50 by Renault and Nissan and provides a neutral location for the Alliance to exchange ideas, build strategy and help leverage the maximum synergies between the two companies.^[24]

In 2006, the Alliance began exploratory talks with General Motors regarding the possibility of creating an industrial alliance. HP Pavilion DV9930US Battery

 The talks were instigated by GM minority shareholder Kirk Kerkorian. GM reportedly demanded payment of several billion dollars to engage in an alliance, prompting Ghosn to call the terms "contrary to the spirit of an alliance." Discussions ended without agreement in October 2006, when Ghosn said, "It's clear the two sides have completely different appetites for an alliance." HP Pavilion DV9933CA Battery

Zero-emission vehicles

The Alliance aims to become the leader in zero-emission transportation. The Alliance committed €4 billion, or more than US$5 billion, into its electric vehicle (EV) and battery development programs. HP Pavilion DV9933CL Battery

The first car based on this investment was the Nissan LEAF, which launched in late 2010 in the United States and Japan. Nissan and Infiniti will launch three additional EVs. Renault will launch four EVs starting in the fall of 2011 with the Fluence and Kangoo, followed by Twizzy and Zoe in the first half of 2012.^[27] HP Pavilion DV9934CA Battery

In May 2008, as part of the Alliance’s zero emission strategy, Nissan and NEC formed a joint-venture company, Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC) to focus on the development and mass production of advanced lithium-ion batteries for a wide range of automotive applications from hybrids, electric vehicles to fuel-cell vehicles. HP Pavilion DV9940EG Battery

AESC began production in 2009 at its facility at Nissan’s Zama plant in Kanagawa Prefecture where annual capacity is 65,000 units.^[28] Globally, Alliance battery production capacity is expected to be 500,000 units a year by the end of 2013. Other Alliance battery production sites, announced in 2009, include France, Portugal, the UK and the U.S.^[29] HP Pavilion DV9940EJ Battery

The Alliance has created partnerships with more than 100 public and private organizations to create consumer buying incentives and EV infrastructure investment. The Alliance also partners with Project Better Place for the first wide-scale deployment of zero emission vehicles in Israel and Denmark in late 2011.^[30] HP Pavilion DV9940ER Battery

Daimler Strategic Cooperation

The Alliance announced on April 7, 2010, a broad strategic co-operation with Daimler, reported to be worth €2 billion over five years.^[31] The companies are joined by an equity exchange that gives the Renault-Nissan Alliance a 3.1 per cent stake in Daimler and Daimler a combined 3.1 per cent in Renault and Nissan.^[32] HP Pavilion DV9950EF Battery

Immediately after the announcement, Renault and Daimler began working together on combined next-generation small cars: the Renault Twingo and smart fortwo, including electric versions as well as expanding both model ranges. The launches of the jointly developed small car models are scheduled to begin in 2013. HP Pavilion DV9950EK Battery

The smart plant in Hambach, France, will be the production location for two-seater versions, while the Renault plant in Novo Mesto (Slovenia) will be the production location for the four-seater versions. Future models will also be available with an electric drive from launch. Powertrain sharing will focus on fuel-efficient, diesel and petrol engines. HP Pavilion DV9950ER Battery

The Alliance will provide 3- and 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to Daimler.^[33]

The companies have agreed to share powertrain and development work on future projects across both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The deal will allow powertrain sharing between Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, HP Pavilion DV9950ES Battery

and regional co-operation in the United States, China and Japan between Nissan, Infiniti and Daimler. Daimler will reportedly provide current 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to Infiniti.^[34]

In January 2012, the companies announced they would jointly produce engines in Nissan's plant in Decherd, Tennessee. HP Pavilion DV9960EB Battery

The collaboration marks the first production of Mercedes-Benz engines in the North America Free Trade region. The Tennessee plant’s strategic location and logistics links ensure a direct supply of engines starting in 2014 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, built at Daimler’s vehicle plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala. HP Pavilion DV9960EW Battery

The deal marked the first time that Daimler had ever built engines in North America. The companies will together produce 250,000 4-cylinder gasoline engines in the plant.^[36]

In October 2011, the Renault-Nissan Alliance launched an $1.8 billion “Brazilian offensive” with two plants and a combined annual capacity of 580,000 vehicles per year.^[37] HP Pavilion DV9970EB Battery

Nissan invested 2.6 billion Brazilian reais (US$1.5 billion or €1.1 billion) to construct an all-new manufacturing facility and to develop, industrialize and launch new products in Resende, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The all-new Nissan factory, scheduled to begin production in the first half of 2014, HP Pavilion DV9970EF Battery

will have the capacity to produce up to 200,000 units annually and will create up to 2,000 jobs directly associated with the plant.^[38]

Renault invested an additional 500 million reais (US$285 million or €212 million) to expand an existing factory in Curitiba, in the state of Parana.^[39] HP Pavilion DV9970EM Battery

The expanded plant will have an annual capacity of 380,000 vehicles per year starting in 2013. During the product cycle spanning 2010-2015, Renault will have invested an additional 1 billion Brazilian reais (US$571 million, or €423 million) to cover the development, industrialization and launch of new vehicles for Brazilian consumers. HP Pavilion DV9975EF Battery

Purchasing for Renault and Nissan in Brazil will operate through the common Renault-Nissan Purchasing Organization, which will work closely with suppliers throughout Brazil to ensure that all parties maximize economies of scale. In addition to purchasing, the companies will also work closely on supply chain management and manufacturing issues.^[40] HP Pavilion DV9980EF Battery

The first dedicated Renault-Nissan Alliance plant and technical center opened in 2010 in Chennai, India.The first vehicle to be produced was the Nissan Micra. Starting in 2011, the plant will produce the Renault Koleos and Fluence. HP Pavilion DV9980EI Battery

The factory is located in the Oragadam Expansion Scheme and represents an investment of about €800 million over seven years from February 2008 to 2015. The plant – which has full stamping, body, paint, plastic, trim and chassis shops with two test tracks—will have the capacity to produce 400,000 vehicles a year at full ramp up.^[41] HP Pavilion DV9868EG Battery

The plant can produce four separate platforms and eight body styles in random production order. Both sub-assembly and parts supply to the line are totally flexible. Efficiency is improved by having bumper and plastic moldings produced on site while the assembly line boasts a highly HP Pavilion DV9870EA Battery

efficient logistics layout with a 100 per cent kit supply system to the lineside which saves operators having to pick parts from more than one place reducing the need to walk to collect parts. This is a development of what Nissan does at its Oppama, Japan and Sunderland, UK facilities. HP Pavilion DV9870EB Battery

The Renault team supports powertrain development, vehicle engineering, information systems as well as styling and special project support for Renault's Mumbai-based design studio.^[24]

Russia

In February 2008 Renault acquired a 25% share in AvtoVAZ, known for its Lada range of vehicles. HP Pavilion DV9870ED Battery

Through the Alliance, Renault and Nissan intend to increase ownership in AvtoVAZ to 50 percent.^[43] The Alliance’s market share objective in Russia is to expand from 33 per cent to 40 per cent by 2015 with AvtoVAZ. With its partner AvtoVAZ, the Alliance builds Renault, Nissan and Lada models at its plant in Togliatti, HP Pavilion DV9870EF Battery

which Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin inaugurated in April 2012. The assembly line has a maximum capacity of 350,000 cars per year. The Alliance also has plants in Moscow, St Petersburg and Izhevsk.^[44] In May 2012, Renault-Nissan signed a memorandum of understanding to increase its AVTOVAZ holdings. HP Pavilion DV9870EP Battery

Renault-Nissan will own 67.13% of the joint venture, which in turn will own 74.5% of Avtovaz. Renault will invest $300 million, and Nissan will invest $450m in the joint venture over the next two years, according to published reports.^[45] HP Pavilion DV9870EW Battery

Nissan established a joint-venture company with China's Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. to produce and sell cars throughout China. In 2010, Nissan's sales in China soared to 1,023,638 units, making China Nissan's top market worldwide.^[46] Executives at Dongfeng said the reason they choose HP Pavilion DV9872EZ Battery

Nissan was because of the company's successful integration with strategic partner Renault, which allowed each entity to remain independent and brand-focused but gaining benefits of economies of scale.^[11]

Directly through the Alliance, Renault entered world's largest automotive market in 2009, HP Pavilion DV9876EG Battery

introducing the brand through its low-cost cars including Laguna III, Koleos and compact MPV starter-Scenic. In February 2011, the Alliance inaugurated its China Warehouse in Shanghai, further establishing the partnership between Renault, Nissan and Dong Feng. HP Pavilion DV9880EA Battery

The 8,000 square meter complex will provide a full range of auto parts, including 3,000 Renault and 10,000 Nissan parts covering almost all the imported models in China. It will also develop "best practices" for system optimization and shared technical platforms.^[47] HP Pavilion DV9880ED Battery

Morocco

King Mohammed VI inaugurated the new Renault-Nissan Alliance plant in Tangier, Morocco, at a special ceremony attended by Carlos Ghosn, Chairman of Renault and Nissan. The new Renault-Nissan plant in Tangier represents an investment of €1 billion with annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles with an estimated total staff of more than 6,000 by 2015.^[48] HP Pavilion DV9880EE Battery

In 2007, the Alliance announced a €600 million investment to build the Tangiers Industrial Project. Production of vehicles based on the Renault Logan platform is to begin in 2012 with one production line and an initial annual output capacity of 170,000 vehicles. The Alliance has said capacity will increase to 400,000 vehicles a year but has not given a timeline. HP Pavilion DV9880EG Battery

The Tangiers development is one of the largest manufacturing complexes in the Mediterranean.

Renault has displayed numerous concept cars to show future design and technology directions. HP Pavilion DV9880EO Battery

Since 2008 Renault displayed various all-electric car concepts under the name "Z.E.", starting with a concept based on the Renault Kangoo Be Bop. Further concepts and announcements followed, with a pledge to start production of the Fluence Z.E. saloon in 2011 and the Renault Zoein 2012. HP Pavilion DV9880EP Battery

Renault also revealed the Ondelios hybrid concept in 2008.^[24][25] but this was overtaken by the Z.E. programme.

Electric vehicle partnerships

From 2008, Renault entered a number of agreements for its planned zero-emissions products, including Israel, Portugal, Denmark, HP Pavilion DV9880ES Battery

the U.S. states of Tennessee and Oregon,^[26] Yokohama in Japan and the Principality of Monaco.^[27] Serge Yoccoz is the electric vehicle project director.^[28]

In 2008 Renault-Nissan signed a deal to mass-produce electric cars for an initiative in Israel with Better Place, a US company developing new non-petroleum based transport infrastructure. HP Pavilion DV9880EV Battery

Renault aimed to mass market 10,000 to 20,000 cars a year in Israel.^[29] Renault would also develop exchangeable batteries for the project.^[30] Renault also collaborated with Better Place to produce a network of all-electric vehicles and thousands of charging stations in Denmark, planned to be operational by 2011.^[31] HP Pavilion DV9880EW Battery

 The Renault Fluence Z.E.,^[32] was selected for the Israel project, being the first zero-emission vehicle with a switchable battery,^[33] with trials in 2010 undertaken with the Renault Laguna.

Renault-Nissan and the largest French electric utility, Electricite de France (EDF) signed an agreement to promote emission-free mobility in France. HP Pavilion DV9880EZ Battery

The partnership planned to pilot projects on battery management and charging infrastructure.^[34] Renault-Nissan also signed deals with Ireland's ESB,^[35] and inMilton Keynes as part of the UK's Plugged In Places national project.

PHEV Research Center

The Renault-Nissan group is in the PHEV Research Center. HP Pavilion DV9885EA Battery

Nissan is also hedging its bets by developing both a "parallel hybrid" system (akin to that found in the Toyota Prius) and a plug-in "series hybrid" similar to the Chevy Volt. But it favours the all-electric approach, even though it will be a tough sell, says Mr Lane. As for Mr Ghosn, he has no doubts. HP Pavilion DV9885EB Battery

"We must have zero-emission vehicles," he says. "Nothing else will prevent the world from exploding."^[38]

Eco²

Renault introduced a new line of eco-friendly derivatives in 2007 marked eco² based on normal production cars. HP Pavilion DV9885EO Battery

A minimum of 5% recycled plastic was used and at the end of the vehicles life the remains are 95% reusable. Eco²'s CO2 emissions were not to exceed 140g/km, or are biofuel compatible.^[39] At the 2008 Fleet World Honours, Renault was rewarded with the Environment Award. HP Pavilion DV9888EO Battery

The chairman of Judges, George Emmerson, commented, “This was the most hotly contested category in the history of the Fleet World Honours, such is the clamour for organizations’ green credentials to be recognized. There were some very impressive entries, but the panel felt that Renault’s impressive range of low-emission vehicles was the most tangible, and the most quantifiable. HP Pavilion DV9889EO Battery

Automobile Dacia S.A.^[3] (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈdat͡ʃi.a]) is a Romanian car manufacturer, named for the historic regionthat constitutes much of present-day Romania. It is now a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault. The company is the main exporter from Romania with 10% of total exports. HP Pavilion DV9890EA Battery

The beginnings

Automobile Dacia company was founded in 1966 under the name Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP). The main Dacia factory was built in 1968, in Colibaşi (now called Mioveni), near Piteşti. Dacia acquired the tooling and basic designs of the Renault 12. HP Pavilion DV9890ED Battery

However, until the tooling was ready it was decided to produce the Renault 8 under licence; it was known as the Dacia 1100.^[5] From 1968 to 1972, some 44,000 were produced, with a very minor cosmetic change to the front in early 1970. Also produced in very limited numbers was the 1100S, with twin headlamps and a more powerful engine, used by the police and in motor racing. HP Pavilion DV9890EF Battery

The first Dacia 1300 left the assembly line ready for the 23 August parade in 1969, and was exhibited at the Paris and Bucharestshows of that year. Romanians were delighted with the modernity and reliability of the car, and waiting lists were always lengthy. HP Pavilion DV9890EG Battery

As early as 1970, there were several variants: the standard 1300, the 1300L (for Lux) and the 1301 Lux Super, which had novelties such as a heated rear screen, a radio, windscreen mirrors on both sides and a more luxurious trim. This was reserved for the Communist Party nomenklatura. HP Pavilion DV9890EL Battery

Changes soon followed as export markets opened up. In 1973, the estate variant, 1300 Break, was produced. There were 1300F(estate with no rear seats, for carrying goods) and 1300S (ambulance) variants, and in 1975 the Dacia 1302 pick-up was developed. 2000 examples were made until 1982. HP Pavilion DV9890EO Battery

Dacia also produced the D6, a CKD version of the Renault Estafette van, in limited numbers, but given the competition of the Bucharest-made T.V. van, numbers were very limited. In the very early 1980s, the Renault 20 was also assembled as the Dacia 2000; because of the exclusivity of this model numbers were always very limited. HP Pavilion DV9890EP Battery

The 2000 was only available in dark blue or black, and was reserved for the Party elite.
At the Bucharest show in 1979, the restyled 1310 models were presented. These had quad lamps at the front, larger lamps at the rear, re-profiled bumpers, and a new interior. The changes were heavily inspired by Renault's own restyling of its 12 in 1975. HP Pavilion DV9890ES Battery

After a brief series of "crossover" cars in 1979 (for example, there were no more rectangular headlights available for the 1300, so the last models used the quad lamps of the 1310), the 1310 finally hit the Romanian market in late 1979. In the UK, where it was known as the Dacia Denem, HP Pavilion DV9890EW Battery

the top of the range model included such luxuries as a five-speed gearbox, alloy wheels and electric windows. The advertising slogan used for the car was "The Very Acceptable Dacia Denem", but this proved not to be the case with the British buyers, who increasingly opted for the more reliable Japanese, South Korean and Malaysian models. HP Pavilion DV9894CA Battery

Sales were very limited, and the number surviving are not thought to exceed single figures, although the Romanian Embassy in South Kensington kept a fleet running until the mid-1990s. Sales of the pick-up version, known as the Shifter, continued until about 1990, and the Aro 10 was also sold as the Dacia Duster. HP Pavilion DV9845EZ Battery

The plug was pulled on the Denem, however, in late 1982.
At the same time the Sport model was produced.^[6] At the 1980 show, crowds admired the Braşovia, a prototype of a sports coupébased on the 1310 and developed at a service station in Braşov. HP Pavilion DV9847CA Battery

The go-ahead was given for a prestige model, and so from 1981 the two-door Dacia 1310 Sport (1410 Sport from 1983), was available for the gilded youth of the period. These were very popular for rallies, and racing drivers such as Nicu Grigoraş tuned them to extract extraordinary power from the old Renault engine. HP Pavilion DV9847EO Battery

The 1980s

The designers were still coming up with fresh ideas, many of them shrouded in secrecy. Prototypes such as the 500cc Mini-Dacia, as well as Dacia 1310 variants, were designed; some, such as the Dacia 1310 Limousine, are still on the road. HP Pavilion DV9849EF Battery

These cars are eagerly prized by Dacia enthusiasts, and Dacia web forums are full of evidence about the rarities and oddities produced by Dacia during the 1980s. In 1982, after the 1302 was dropped, the Dacia 1304 Pick-up and 1305 Drop-side models were introduced. Actually, they had been launched from 1981. HP Pavilion DV9849EM Battery

These were a commercial success and remained in production, gradually being modified along with the rest of the range, until December 2006. From 1985, also, the 1410 was available as a larger-engined variant, while the relatively short-lived 1210 was the economy variant until about 1992. HP Pavilion DV9850EA Battery

In 1983, there were more slight modifications, with a new horizontal rear vent and chunkier, rubber mouldings around the front grille. Work was developing on the 1320 CN1 model, which was a hatchback based on the 1310. The new front end seen on the 1320 also appeared on the top-of-the-range models HP Pavilion DV9850EB Battery

 (known under Dacia brand nomenclature as MLS) from about 1989; these cars were distinguishable by two large headlights, a much plusher interior clad in blue plastic and known as the CN1 dashboard, and often a proliferation of aerials to indicate the owner's status. Most were owned by senior officials in the Communist Central Committee. HP Pavilion DV9850EF Battery

While the 1320 was the most expensive model in the Dacia range when it appeared in 1987, most were used as taxis until the mid-1990s. The 1320 did not last long, however; as early as 1989 there were prototypes using the front of the 1320 and a new rear, with wrap-around tail lights and other modern features. HP Pavilion DV9850EL Battery

The 1990s

The 1320 model emerged in 1991 as the Dacia 1325 Liberta (after the 1989 revolution, themes of liberty were very much in fashion) and stayed in production until 1996.
The last of the quad-lamped models were produced in 1989, and all the Dacia range received the new front end of the 1320, called CN1. HP Pavilion DV9850EO Battery

An effort was made to rejuvenate the model range: the Sport was dropped, due to lack of sales, and new commercial vehicles were introduced. The 1307 was a double-cabbed pick-up; the1309 was an estate with a tarpaulin instead of a boot; the car was a cross-over between estate and pick-up and sold very well on the Chinese market. HP Pavilion DV9850ER Battery

There were also several prototypes:

the 1610 diesel estate, powered by Volkswagen, with about 150 units sold

the Dacia Star, with curved side windows

the 1308 Jumbo, a camper-van, and several attempts to give the 1310 a more modern look by grafting the front of contemporary cars such as the Nissan Primeraonto it. HP Pavilion DV9850ES Battery

The cars of 1992–1994 are curiosities: although efforts were obviously being made to renew the model range, there were numerous stylistic hangovers from the quad-lamped models. Thus, the last of the 1983-designed dashboards were seen in 1994 although a new dashboard had been seen on some model ranges since 1987. HP Pavilion DV9850ET Battery

Similarly, although the CN1 restyling eliminated anachronisms such as a kink upwards at the C-pillar and a rubber rear spoiler, it was not applied consistently. One wonders about the techniques used on the production lines of the era.

The 1993 facelift was known within the industry as CN2. HP Pavilion DV9850EV Battery

A reprojected front end was distinguished by a horizontal metal line in the grille. There were new headlamps, front and rear bumpers, and the shape of the front wings was accordingly different. Inside, there was a new dashboard for the base models, while the top-of-the-range cars had luxuries such as body-coloured bumpers, HP Pavilion DV9851EG Battery

rear head restraints, a radio-cassette, hubcaps, and the ever-present CN1 dashboard, this time in black plastic. This model was not to stay in production for very long; in 1995 the CN3 type was introduced on the European market, followed by the Latin American market in 1996. Practically the only differences were those of trim level and the radiator grille. HP Pavilion DV9852EG Battery

From late 1994 little attention was paid to the improvement of the 1310 range, as Dacia launched a new model, the Dacia Nova. This was a saloon or hatchback with a three-box design. The design was rather outdated, because development work had started in 1983. HP Pavilion DV9853EG Battery

Urban myth in Romania suggests that it was a version of the Renault 11 or the Peugeot 309; this is incorrect, as the Novais a 100% Romanian design, started after the end of any French involvement in Dacia. The model was initially unpopular, due to reliability and rustproofing issues, one rumour suggesting that when it rained outside, it also rained inside. HP Pavilion DV9854CA Battery

However, after improvements in 1996, the Nova became more often seen on Romanian roads. In 1998 a seven-seater prototype was produced using the panels and windows from the standard Nova saloon.

In 1998, the anniversary year of three decades of production since the first Dacia rolled off the assembly line, HP Pavilion DV9858CA Battery

vehicle number 2,000,000 emerged from the plant; this year saw the last restyling of the 1310. It was known as CN4 and involved a comprehensive restyling of the front end, as well as new door handles and a lightly restyled rear view mirror. The estate version was fitted with larger tail lights. The load-carrying models followed suit in 1999. HP Pavilion DV9858EZ Battery

It must be stressed that, even though the model was over thirty years old, it still sold exceptionally well due to a starting price of about 4200 Euros and high availability of parts. "Goodies" such as a fuel-injection also helped keep the model relatively modern. HP Pavilion DV9860EB Battery

In 2000, a special edition was produced for the first time; it was known as Dacia Dedicaţie.^[7] This luxury version of the saloon and estate had alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, power steering, electric windows, and a far better level of finish. The models were all painted two-tone silver, and sold at a significantly higher price. HP Pavilion DV9860ED Battery

From 2002, also, the cars became known as Berlina^[8] and Break,^[9] with the 1310 lettering being relegated to an insignificant position underneath the side light.^[10]

On 21 July 2004 the last models of the 1300 series rolled out the gates of the Mioveni production facility, just one month before their 35th anniversary. HP Pavilion DV9860EF Battery

The very last Dacia 1310 (saloon version), number 1,979,730, will be kept in the Dacia museum.

On 8 December 2006, the utility Dacia Pick-Up suffered the same fate. Although many improvements had been made in recent years, such as four-wheel drive, the introduction of a 1.9 diesel engine, HP Pavilion DV9860ER Battery

the dashboard from the Dacia Solenza (also seen on the very last 1310s) and wheels fastened by five studs as opposed the archaic three, Romania's entry in the European Union effectively prevented the continued production of the old models. The assembly lines will be remodelled and expanded to increase production of the Dacia Logan. HP Pavilion DV9860ES Battery

In over thirty-four years of production, and more than 2.5 million units produced, the Dacia 1300/1310 easily became the most common car on Romanian roads. Almost everybody owned one and became adept at carrying out repairs or home-made modifications. For example, HP Pavilion DV9860EV Battery

many older cars had newer front ends grafted onto them to make them seem more modern, or purely because newer parts were easier to get. Consequently, original early 1300s are quite rare, with prices steadily increasing for the best-preserved models. Tuning of Dacias is also a popular pastime, HP Pavilion DV9860EZ Battery

although the home-made nature of much of the work casts doubt on the level of quality, safety and reliability of the finished product.

During the Communist era, in the plant where Dacias were made, there were two assembly lines: HP Pavilion DV9860US Battery

one line producing Dacias intended for sale in Romania and the other line producing the same car (albeit from superior parts, and assembled with greater care) for export. Romanians living near the border would commonly purchase their Dacia in neighbouring countries expecting a higher level of quality. HP Pavilion DV9865EG Battery

Acquisition by Renault

Meanwhile, work was continuing on the other Dacia models. In September 1999, Dacia was bought by the Renault group, with a view to making Romania its hub of automobile development in both Central Europe and Eastern Europe, and investment was consequently increased. HP Pavilion DV9865EK Battery

The first sign of this came in 2000, with the introduction of the SupeRNova, an improved version of the Nova with engine and transmission from Renault. The top-of-the range version had air conditioning, electric windows, and a CD player. Sales were very good, although the outdatedness of the concept was striking. HP Pavilion DV9830EA Battery

Dacia sold 53,000 vehicles in 2002, and it holds an almost 50 per cent market share in Romania. In 2003, a restyled version replaced the SupeRNova with Dacia Solenza, featuring a new interior, the options for an airbag. This was, however, only meant to be a stopgap model filling the need for a saloon model before the introduction of the all-important Dacia Logan, HP Pavilion DV9830EB Battery

as well as to familiarise workers with the demands of manufacturing a model acceptable to Western European markets. Production was stopped in 2005.

Logan project

The Logan is the most successful model since the original 1300. It was introduced after considerable media interest in August 2004, and despite design-related criticism, HP Pavilion DV9830EF Battery

it became one of the top-selling cars in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Russia. The Logan is sold in a large number of countries, occasionally under the Renault brand. It was awarded 3 (out of 5) stars in NCAP crash testing.^[11] It is by far the best-selling car in Romania, with a market share of 27% in February 2008.^[12] HP Pavilion DV9830EG Battery

A diesel version was also introduced in 2005. Before its launch, it was known as the 5000-Euro car due to its projected launch price. This was never quite the case, although it is one of the cheapest cars for its size on the market.

In 2006, the prototype Logan Steppe was exhibited. HP Pavilion DV9830EL Battery

This shows a speculative 4x4 estate version of the Logan. The estate version was launched in late 2006. The van, basically an estate with the rear windows filled in and a separate cabin for the driver, was launched in February 2007 after the stopping of utility vehicle production (Dacia Pick-Up). HP Pavilion DV9830EO Battery

A pick-up model and the Logan-based hatchback, Sandero were launched in 2008. Dacia has chosen the 2008 Geneva Motor Show to unveil a five-door hatchback: Sandero.^[13]

In 2009 a new concept called Duster was unveiled at Geneva Motor Show. HP Pavilion DV9830ER Battery

The Dacia Duster is the first crossover SUV built by Dacia since the Renault acquisition, in both 4x2 and 4x4 versions. Officially revealed on 8 December 2009, it became available inEurope from 18 March 2010.

Renault India Private Limited is the Indian subsidiary of Renault established in 2005. HP Pavilion DV9830ES Battery

Originally Renault's presence in India was as a result of the joint venture Mahindra Renault which manufactured the Dacia Logan until 2011, when it was facelifted and re-launched as the Mahindra Verito. Sales of Renault badged cars commenced in 2011 with the Fluence and Koleos,^[ followed in 2012 by the Pulse, a rebadged Nissan Micra and the Duster SUV.^[54] HP Pavilion DV9830EV Battery

In 2010 Renault Nissan Automotive India opened a manufacturing plant in Chennai, which will have a capacity of 400,000 vehicles per annum by 2015 divided equally between Renault India Private Limited and Nissan Motor India Private Limited.^[55] HP Pavilion DV9830US Battery

Proposed alliances

On 30 June 2006, the media reported that General Motors convened an emergency board meeting to discuss a proposal by shareholder Kirk Kerkorian to form an alliance between GM and Renault-Nissan. HP Pavilion DV9831CA Battery

The hastily arranged meeting suggests that GM's board was treating Kerkorian's proposal with urgency. There was speculation that a GM–Renault–Nissan alliance could pave the way for Renault's return to the U.S. market. However, GM CEO Richard Wagoner felt that an alliance would benefit Renault's shareholders more than those of GM, HP Pavilion DV9832EO Battery

and that GM should receive some compensation for it. This did not sit well with Renault; subsequently, talks between GM and Renault ended on 4 October 2006.

In 2007 Renault-Nissan were in talks with Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto to develop a new ultra-low-cost car along the lines of the Tata Nano.^[56] HP Pavilion DV9834CA Battery

Renault's existing partner in India, Mahindra, was not interested in taking part in the project despite already manufacturing the Dacia Logan. The proposed deal for a split of the joint venture (50% Bajaj and 25% each for Renault and Nissan) did not come to fruition, when in late 2009 it was announced that Bajaj would develop and manufacturer the vehicle itself and supply Renault-Nissan with completed cars.^[57] HP Pavilion DV9835EF Battery

On 7 October 2008, the Wall Street Journal reported that a Renault executive said the company was interested in acquiring or partnering with Chrysler, which at the time was owned by the private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.^[58] On 11 October 2008, the New York Times reported that General Motors, HP Pavilion DV9837EO Battery

Nissan and Renault had all been in discussions over the past month with Cerberus about acquiring Chrysler.Renault powered the winning 2010 Red Bull Racing team, and entered to a similar role with its old team in December 2010, when sold the final participation on it to the investment group Genii Capital, HP Pavilion DV9838CA Battery

the main stakeholder^[62] since December 2009,^[63]ending Renault's direct role in running a F1 team for the second time.^[64]

At this moment, the F1 involvement of Renault is centered in Renault Sport F1, which provides engines and related elements to several client teams (Red Bull Racing, Lotus F1, Williams F1 and Caterham F1).^[65] HP Pavilion DV9839EO Battery

Rallying

Renault has been involved in rallying from an early era. Marcel Renault won the 1902 Rallye Paris-Vienna, but lost his life while competing in the 1903 Paris-Madrid.^[66]

During the 50s and 60s of the 20th century, Renault manufactured several small cars with rear wheel drive in some cases, as the R4, the R8 or the Dauphine. HP Pavilion DV9840EO Battery

These cars were well-adapted to the rally of the time, and the tuner Amedee Gordinicollaborated with its performance.^[66] In the 1950s the Renault Dauphine won several international rallies, including the 1956 Mille Miglia and the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.^[67]

In 1973, Renault took control of Automobiles Alpine, a related company for several years, which was responsible for building successful rally cars such as the A110.^[68] HP Pavilion DV9840ES Battery

 A highly evolved A110 won the first World Rally Championship, representing Alpine-Renault.^[66]

In 1976, the Alpine's competition department and the Gordini factory at Viry-Chatillon were merged into Renault Sport.^[68] HP Pavilion DV9842EG Battery

The focus shifted to Formula One, although Renault achieved several victories including the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally with the Renault 5 Turbo^[67] before retirement from the world rally in late 1994.^[66]

Renault cars also participate of cross-country races, most prominently the Dakar Rally. HP Pavilion DV9842EO Battery

The Marreau brothers won the 1982 edition driving a Renault 20 Turbo 4x4prototype.^[69] Later, Renault motorized and sponsored the Schlesser-Renault Elf buggies which won the 1999^[70] and 2000 editions.^[71] The 1999 car was the firsttwo-wheel drive Dakar's winner.^[72] HP Pavilion DV9843CL Battery

Sponsorship

From 1983 to 1984, Renault sponsored an Unlimited hydroplane in the United States. Owned by Jerry Schoenith and driven by E. Milner Irvin, the Miss Renault was powered by a turbocharged Allison V-1710 piston engine. Miss Renault won the 1983 World Championship race in Houston, Texas. HP Pavilion DV9845EK Battery

Renault in the UK

The first popular Renault motor vehicles to achieve sustained sales success in the United Kingdom were the R5 mini-car and R18, both of which attained six-digit sales figures during the late 1970s and early 1980s, although they failed to achieve anything like the volumes of established carmakers Ford, Vauxhall andAustin Rover. HP Pavilion DV9845EO Battery

Renault enjoyed a huge rise in popularity among British buyers on the arrival of the Clio supermini in early 1991. It was regularly among Britain's most popular cars each year during the 1990s and its successor (launched in 1998 alongside the final installment of the successful 'Nicole and Papa' advertising campaign),^[73] where the original model left off. 
HP Pavilion DV9821EO Battery

The sedan/saloon version, called Thalia, was not launched in the UK.

Renault went from strength to strength in the UK during the 2000s following the introduction of its distinctively styled Mégane hatchback in November 2002. Any suggestions that its quirky styling would not fit in with the tastes of British buyers were quickly confounded in 2005 when it was the fourth best selling car in Britain. HP Pavilion DV9821TX Battery

By 2006 Renault was the third most popular brand of car in the United Kingdom, only Ford and Vauxhall sold more units.

In 2007 Renault UK lost a US$2 million law suit against an independent distributor who had placed orders for 217 cars under a discount scheme intended for members of the British HP Pavilion DV9821US Battery

Airline Pilots Association- 3 were legitimate- because they had "made a profit of some sort on every vehicle". Two Renault employees were criticized for having "turned a blind eye" to the very large number of orders.^[74]

By 2008, Renault sales had started declining in the UK and the marque was down to eighth most popular brand with 89,570 sales HP Pavilion DV9822EA Battery

 (down 29% compared to 2007) and considerably less than the 194,685 sales made in 2002. Renault suffered more than most main brands in the UK during 2009 as the recession deepened and ended the year with 63,174 sales and a reduced 3.17% market share. HP Pavilion DV9822TX Battery

In 2010, however, as the economy returned to growth, Renault sold more than 95,000 cars and boosted its market share to 4.71%.^[75] However, in 2011 Renault's fortunes fell again. It sold 68,449 cars, down more than 28 per cent on the year before, a 3.53 per cent market share.HP Pavilion DV9823CA Battery

The Koleos SUV was withdrawn from the UK in August 2010 due to slow sales under 3,000 units. In late 2011, Renault announced that the Laguna, Espace, Kangoo, Modus, and Wind lines would be withdrawn from the UK due to cutting costs. HP Pavilion DV9823CL Battery

This change took place in early 2012, leaving the current range limited to the Twingo, Clio, Mégane, Scénic, and the new Twizy and Fluence Z.E. models. HP Pavilion DV9823EF Battery,HP Pavilion DV9823EM Battery,HP Pavilion DV9823TX Battery