Renault accelerates in Italy, fourth in the market and orders up 35%

Renault has accelerated its growth in Italy, securing fourth place in the market with a 35% increase in orders during the first half of 2026. The company's CEO, Sébastien Guigues, emphasized that Renault is demonstrating its ability to grow even amid the arrival of Chinese manufacturers. He noted that while the company respects all competitors, it does so without fear, relying on its strategic advantages. Guigues explained how the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) technology in the Losanga model allows Renault to meet the demands of Italian drivers, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and align with the parent company’s broader strategy focused on electrification. In the first six months of 2026, Renault achieved 51,248 registrations for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, marking a move up from seventh place last year. This growth was driven primarily by private customers, despite the company having abandoned the “zero kilometers” option. Registrations rose by more than 15%, and order collection increased by 35% over the same period. The brand’s Full Hybrid models saw a 19% sales increase, and together with Dacia, they dominate the dual-fuel CNG segment. Over seven out of ten new dual-fuel vehicles sold in Italy are either Renault or Dacia models. On the electric front, just two months after the launch of the new Twingo E-Tech zero-emission model, over 1,000 contracts have already been signed. Guigues described the results as solid, confirming the validity of Renault’s strategy. He highlighted the company’s growth in volume and particularly in the private customer channel, where performance exceeded market averages. This success reflects the strong appeal of Renault’s product range. Notably, in the B-segment, Renault benefits from the favorable reception of the Clio in Italy, which has already secured 20,000 orders. By May, Italy became the absolute top market for the Clio, surpassing even France, the model’s home country. The excellent momentum in orders, especially among private customers, has given the company confidence for the coming months. Guigues attributed this to Renault’s ability to identify and meet evolving mobility needs. He concluded that the company will continue along this trajectory, strengthening its presence in key segments and accelerating its electrification efforts. The goal is to provide increasingly accessible, efficient solutions that match customer expectations. Renault’s strategy appears to be paying off in a competitive Italian automotive landscape marked by the increasing influence of foreign brands, including Chinese manufacturers. The company’s focus on both traditional fuel technologies, such as CNG, and emerging electric options positions it well for future challenges. With continued investment in hybrid and electric vehicle offerings, Renault aims to maintain its upward trend and further strengthen its position in one of Europe’s largest car markets. As the second half of 2026 approaches, the company is poised to build on these early successes and expand its footprint in the Italian market.