Renault Group reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of €11.7 billion, down 3.2% from the same period last year, missing analyst expectations. The decline was largely attributed to a 12% drop in sales at its low-cost brand Dacia, which accounts for nearly a third of the group's global deliveries.
Dacia's sales fell to approximately 145,000 vehicles in Q1 2026, down from 165,000 a year earlier, according to company data. The brand faced headwinds in key European markets, including France and Germany, where overall car registrations declined. Renault cited 'market normalization' after a strong 2025 and increased competition from Chinese automakers.
Renault's core brand saw a more modest 2% decline in sales, while its electric vehicle sales rose 8% to 42,000 units, driven by the new Renault 5 E-Tech. The group's automotive operating margin stood at 5.1%, slightly below the 5.4% recorded in Q1 2025.
CEO Luca de Meo reaffirmed the company's full-year guidance, citing a strong order book for upcoming models. 'The first quarter reflects a temporary adjustment, not a trend,' he said in a statement. Renault shares fell 1.8% on the Paris stock exchange following the announcement.
