Renault 1st Half Russian Sales +47.5% On Year At 5,290 Cars

MOSCOW July 4, 2003; Dow Jones reported that French car maker Renault said Friday that its sales in Russia rose 48% in the first half of 2003 to 5,290 compared with the same period last year. Renault said that, while other European auto producers have suffered from the falling value of the ruble, Renault reaped benefits from introducing four new models into the Russian market: Vel Satis, Clio Renault Sport, Megane II hatchback and the new Kangoo.

Symbol, part of the Clio family, accounted for 2,362 cars sold by Renault.

Renault assembles Symbols in Russia, but the company didn't say how many Symbols sold in the first six months were assembled locally.

Car loans also help raise sales, Renault said.