Renault Increases Chinese Sales by 300 Percent

China is a growing market for all companies that are selling cars in the country and, despite the economic chaos that is hammering sales all around the world, it still brings significant revenues to these automakers. Renault is probably the best example in this matter as the French manufacturer increased its Chinese sales by no less than 300 percent in the first five months of the year from its full year China sales in 2008, according to a report by autonews.gasgoo.com.

Renault initially planned to sell 2,000 cars in China in 2009 but the company is now aiming to deliver up to 6,000 units. The Koleos SUV, which arrived in China in April, is expected to post sales of up to 5,000 units by the end of the year, the aforementioned source noted. The Renault Koleos is produced by Renault Samsung Motors at its plant in Busan, South Korea.

"As a matter of fact, China has become not only Renault's fastest-growing market in the world, but also our most profitable market by unit sales. China is now the most important overseas market for Renault," Robert Chan, president of Renault's Greater China division, explained.

As for the short-term plans, Renault plans to introduce 1.4-l and 1.6-liter cars in the country in the next three years. Additionally, Robert Chan revealed that the French manufacturer intends to produce car locally, as a move especially aimed at cutting costs and meeting the growing demand.

It's still unclear whether the French manufacturer, together with its ally Nissan, plans to bring the electric cars it plans to roll out in the next years, in China.