Commercial results: third quarter highlights
In a context strongly disrupted by the semiconductor crisis and production shutdowns, Renault Group sold 599,027 vehicles in the third quarter of 2021, a decrease of 22.3% compared to 2020.
The Group’s sales in Europe (53% of total sales) were down 26.3%. International sales fell by 17.3%.
The decline in revenues, limited to -13.4%, confirms the positive impact of the Group’s commercial policy oriented towards better value from sales.
Renault brand
The Renault brand sold 365,934 vehicles worldwide, down 24.4% compared to the third quarter of 2020. In the five main European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom), the brand is growing on the most profitable sales channels: the share of retail sales is up 6 points compared to the third quarter of 2019, pre-crisis period.
In Europe, sales of E-TECH4 passenger cars are up 29% and represent 31.3% of sales in the quarter thanks to the success of the launch of Arkana, which marks the successful return of the Renault brand in the C segment with more than 40,000 orders in 9 months, 56% of which are E-TECH hybrid.
Sales of light commercial vehicles worldwide were up 1.4%, in a market down 11.2%, thanks to the performance of Master and Trafic.
Dacia and Lada brands
The Dacia brand sold 138,375 vehicles, a decrease of 11.2%. However, Dacia has outperformed the market thanks to the success of New Sandero, the best-selling vehicle in Europe in the quarter and New Duster which is leader in its segment in Europe in the quarter. These 2 models are on the podium of the most sold vehicles to retail clients in Europe (1st and 3rd respectively).
Dacia Spring, the most affordable electric vehicle on the European market, has recorded more than 30,000 orders since its recent start of sales to retail customers.
Dacia presented its brand-new family and versatile 7-seater model, Jogger, whose order take will begin at the end of the year.
The Lada brand retains the leadership of the Russian market despite a 27.8% drop in sales. LADA Vesta and LADA Granta remain the best-selling vehicles in this market.
Third quarter revenues by operating sector
In the third quarter of 2021, Group revenues reached €8,987 million, down 13.4% compared to last year. At constant scope and exchange rates5, the decrease would have been 14%.
Automotive sales excluding AVTOVAZ were €7,685 million, down 14.1%.
This variation is primarily explained by a decrease in volumes (-20 points). This volume effect is mainly due to the shortage of semiconductors and strict commercial policy.
Currency effects were positive at 0.3 points due to the revaluation of some currencies (Brazilian Real, Pound Sterling, Russian Ruble).
The price effect, positive by 2.9 points, reflected the continuation of our value over volume policy. However, it is impacted by a high Q3 2020 comparison basis and by lower price increases in emerging markets in the absence of negative exchange rate effects.
The impact of sales to partners was negative by -1.2 points. It is mainly the result of lower sales of diesel engines to our partners, who were also impacted by the lack of components.
The product mix effect of +1.6 points reflected the success of the Arkana model launched at the beginning of the year and the good performance of light commercial vehicles.
The geographical mix effect of -1.4 points came from a lower decline in international sales than that in Europe.
The “other” effect showed a positive contribution of 3.7 points largely related to the restatement of sales with buy back commitment, which were down compared to the third quarter of 2020.
AVTOVAZ‘s contribution to Group revenues, down 19.0%, was €537 million for the quarter. At constant exchange rates, AVTOVAZ’s contribution would have been down 23.9%.
Mobility Services contributed €6 million to revenues for the third quarter of 2021.
Sales Financing (RCI Bank and Services) posted revenues of €759 million in the third quarter, stable compared to the third quarter of 2020.
As of September 30, 2021, total inventories (including the independent network) represent 340,000 vehicles compared to 470,000 at the end of September 2020.
Outlook 2021
Despite the increase in estimated production losses for the year, Renault Group confirms its guidance to reach a full year Group operating margin rate of the same order as the one of the first half.
The Group is also targeting to achieve a positive Automotive operational free cash flow, excluding change in working capital requirements, for the fiscal year.
Renault Group’s consolidated revenues
Total PC+LCV Group sales by brand
The Group’s 15 main markets at the end of September 2021
1 In order to analyze the change in consolidated revenues at constant perimeter and exchange rates, Renault Group recalculates revenues for the current year by applying the average annual exchange rates of the previous year and excluding significant changes in perimeter that occurred during the year.
2 E-TECH line = full Electric vehicles + Hybrids + Plug-in hybrids
3 CAFE : Corporate Average Fuel Economy
4 E-TECH line = full Electric vehicles + Hybrids + Plug-in hybrids
5 In order to analyze the change in consolidated revenues at constant perimeter and exchange rates, Renault Group recalculates revenues for the current year by applying the average annual exchange rates of the previous year and excluding significant changes in perimeter that occurred during the year.
SOURCE: Renault Group
