Renault#Restructuring (1981–1995)

File:Louis Renault with his first car.jpg (1877–1944) in 1903]]

The Renault corporation was founded on 25 February 1899 as Société Renault Frères by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand.{{cite book |last1=Boutillier |first1=Sophie |last2=Uzunidis |first2=Dimitri |series=Studyrama perspectives |volume=625 |title=L'aventure des entrepreneurs |trans-title=The entrepreneurs' adventure |language=fr |year=2006 |publisher=Studyrama |isbn=2-84472-790-5 |pages=28–29}}{{cite book |last1=Porázik |first1=Juraj |last2=Oravec |first2=Ján |title=Old time classic cars, 1885–1940 |year=1985 |publisher=Arco Pub |isbn=0-668-06307-6 |page=58}} Louis was a bright, aspiring young engineer who had already designed and built several prototypes before teaming up with his brothers, who had honed their business skills working for their father's textile firm. While Louis handled design and production, Marcel and Fernand managed the business.{{cite magazine |date=8 April 1909 |title=A brief history of the House of Renault |volume=20 |issue=14 |magazine=Automotive Industries |pages=569–570}}

The first Renault car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, was sold to a friend of Louis' father after giving him a test ride on 24 December 1898.{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ay8mnbMwYesC&q=first+renault+car+1CV&pg=PT141 |title=Heidi Klum & Seal The truth about the divorce |publisher=epubli |language=en}}

File:Renault Voiturette 1901.jpg

File:A 1911 Renault CC.jpg

In 1903, Renault began to manufacture its own engines; until then it had purchased them from De Dion-Bouton. The first major volume sale came in 1905 when Société des Automobiles de Place bought Renault AG1 cars to establish a fleet of taxis.{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Michael Stephen |title=The Emergence of Modern Business Enterprise in France, 1800–1930 |series=Harvard Studies in Business |volume=49 |year=2006 |publisher=Harvard University Press |isbn=0-674-01939-3 |pages=402–405 |chapter=The Automobile and its Allies}} These vehicles were later used by the French military to transport troops during World War I which earned them the nickname "Taxi de la Marne."{{cite web |url=http://www.francebleu.fr/patrimoine/13h30-une-page-d-histoire-france-bleu-champagne/une-page-d-histoire-le-taxi-de-la-marne |title=Une page d'histoire - le taxi de la Marne |work=francebleu.fr |trans-title=A page of the history - The Taxi de la Marne |publisher=France Bleu |date=11 March 2013 |access-date=15 April 2013}} By 1907, a significant percentage of London and Paris taxis had been built by Renault. Renault was also the best-selling foreign brand in New York in 1907 and 1908.{{cite magazine |date=28 January 1909 |title=Renault leads the foreigners |volume=20 |issue=4 |magazine=Automotive Industries |page=212 }} In 1908 the company produced 3,575 units, becoming the country's largest car manufacturer.

The brothers recognised the value of publicity that participation in motor racing could generate for their vehicles. Renault made itself known through succeeding in the first city-to-city races held in Switzerland, producing rapid sales growth. Both Louis and Marcel raced company vehicles, but Marcel was killed in an accident during the 1903 Paris-Madrid race.{{cite book |last=Weeks |first=Lyman Horace |title=The History of the Automobile And Its Inventors |year=2010 |publisher=Books on Demand |isbn=978-3-86195-242-8 |pages=101–102}} Although Louis never raced again, his company remained very involved, including Ferenc Szisz winning the first Grand Prix motor racing event{{cite web|title=100 years in the driving seat: Renault celebrates a century of Grand Prix Victories |publisher=Renault UK |url= http://www.renault.co.uk/NMNewsItemDisplay.aspx?nid=119&nc=56&pc=4 |access-date=1 March 2008 }} {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} in a Renault AK 90CV in 1906.

Louis took full control of the company as the only remaining brother in 1906 when Fernand retired for health reasons. Fernand died in 1909 and Louis became the sole owner, renaming the company Société des Automobiles Renault (Renault Automobile Company).

Renault fostered its reputation for innovation from very early on. At the time, cars were luxury items manufactured without assembly line advances. The price of the smallest Renaults at the time was 3000 francs (₣); an amount equal to ten years pay for the average worker. In 1905, the company introduced mass production techniques and Taylorism in 1913.{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.co.uk/about/historyofrenault.aspx |title=Renault official history |website=Renault.co.uk |access-date=7 September 2011}} In 1911, Renault visited Henry Ford at the Highland Park factory and adopted some of the manufacturing principles from his trip.{{cite web |title=The Île Seguin Renault Factory |url=http://architectuul.com/architecture/the-ile-seguin-renault-factory |website=Architectuul |access-date=15 January 2021}}

Renault manufactured buses and commercial cargo vehicles in the pre-war years. The first real commercial truck from the company was introduced in 1906.{{cite book |last=Bradley |first=Elliot |title=Trucks and trucking |year=1979 |publisher=Crescent Books |isbn=0-517-27343-8 |page= [https://archive.org/details/truckstrucking0000brad/page/94 94] |url= https://archive.org/details/truckstrucking0000brad/page/94 }} Renault were also an important pre-war manufacturer of aircraft engines. The firm entered the business in 1907 with the first of what would become a series of air-cooled V8 engines.{{cite web |last=Hartmann |first=Gerard |date=2005 |title=Les moteurs d'aviation Renault |trans-title=Renault aviation engines |url=https://www.hydroretro.net/etudegh/les_moteurs_d_aviation_renault.pdf |access-date=10 December 2023 |language=FR}} In 1911 the Renault 90 hp became the world's first V12 aircraft engine when it was exhibited at the Salon de l’Aéronautique at the Grand Palais in Paris.{{cite book |last1=Ludvigsen |first1=Karl |url= |title=The V-12 Engine |date=2005 |publisher=Haynes |isbn=1844250040 |location= |pages=18–19}}

During World War I, the company branched out into ammunition and military vehicles such as the revolutionary Renault FT tank. Production of aero engines also ramped up with additional licensed production of the firms' products being undertaken by various companies, including Rolls-Royce who got their start in the aircraft engine business producing a batch of Renault 70 hp air-cooled V8s.{{cite web |date=13 August 2014 |title=The Rolls-Royce board was determined to resist Government requests to start making aero engines in Derby – it soon changed its mind |url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Rolls-Royce-board-determined-resist-Government/story-22711723-detail/story.html |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150110225748/http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Rolls-Royce-board-determined-resist-Government/story-22711723-detail/story.html |archive-date=10 January 2015 |access-date=24 February 2014 |work=Derby Telegraph |publisher=Local World}}{{cite news |date=13 March 2012 |title=The 10 Best Brand Extensions Ever (According To Me). 7)Rolls-Royce Aircraft Engines |url= https://business.time.com/2012/03/14/the-10-best-brand-extensions-ever-according-to-me/slide/rolls-royce-aircraft-engines/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224201600/http://business.time.com/2012/03/14/the-10-best-brand-extensions-ever-according-to-me/slide/rolls-royce-aircraft-engines |archive-date=24 December 2013 |access-date=24 February 2014 |magazine=Time }} Renault's most successful aircraft engine was the 300 hp 12Fe with around 5,300 built during the war. The company's military designs were so successful that Louis was awarded the Legion of Honour for his company's contributions.{{cite web|url= http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/228176/view |title=Science Photo Library |website=sciencephoto.com |access-date=7 September 2011}} The company exported engines to American automobile manufacturers for use in such automobiles as the GJG, which used a Renault {{Convert|26|hp||lk=in}} or {{Convert|40|hp||abbr=on}} four-cylinder engine.{{cite web |url=http://dmna.ny.gov/historic/reghist/wwi/GJG_Car_NYG.pdf |title=The GJG and the New York Guard |publisher=New York State Military Museum |last=De Angelis |first=Marianne |access-date=21 June 2014 }}

[[Renault Celtaquatre, 1935|thumb|right]]

Louis Renault enlarged Renault's scope after 1918, producing agricultural and industrial machinery. The war from 1914 until 1918 led to many new products.{{cite book |last1=Pederson |first1=Jay P. |last2=Derdak |first2=Thomas |title=International Directory of Company Histories |volume=26 |year=1999 |publisher=St. James Press |isbn=1-55862-385-X |pages= [https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0026unse/page/401 401–403] |url= https://archive.org/details/internationaldir0026unse/page/401 }} The first Renault tractor, the Type GP was produced between 1919 and 1930. It was based on the FT tank.{{cite book |last=Williams |first=Michael |title=Farm tractors in color |year=1974 |publisher=Macmillan Publishers |isbn=0-02-629300-5 |page= [https://archive.org/details/farmtractorsinco00will/page/31 31] |location=New York |url= https://archive.org/details/farmtractorsinco00will/page/31 }} Renault struggled to compete with the increasingly popular small, affordable "people's cars," while problems with the United States stock market and the workforce slowed the company's growth. Renault also had to find a way to distribute its vehicles more efficiently. In 1920, Louis signed one of its first distribution contracts with Gustave Gueudet, an entrepreneur from Amiens, France.

The pre-First World War cars had a distinctive front shape caused by positioning the radiator behind the engine to give a so-called "coal scuttle" bonnet. This continued through the 1920s.{{cite web |url= http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/LotDetailsPrintable.aspx?intObjectID=1016126 |title=Lot 128 / Sale 5545: 1909 Renault AX |website=christies.com |access-date=20 April 2013}} Only in 1930 did all models place the radiator at the front. The bonnet badge changed from circular to the familiar and continuing diamond shape in 1925. The practice of installing the radiator behind the engine against the firewall continued during the 1950s and 1960s on vehicles where the engine was installed longitudinally in the rear of the vehicle.

Renault introduced new models at the Paris Motor Show, which was held in September or October of the year. This led to confusion about model years. For example, a "1927" model was mostly produced in 1928.

Renault cars during this time period had two model lines; the economy four-cylinder engine models that in the 1930s had the suffix "Quatre" and the luxury six-cylinder models that were sold with the suffix "-six", later becoming "Stella." For example, in 1928, when Renault produced 45,809 cars, its seven models started with a 6CV, a 10CV, the Monasix, 15CV, the Vivasix, the 18/22CV and the 40CV. Renault offered eight body styles. The longer rolling chassis were available to coachbuilders. The smaller were the most popular while the least produced was the 18/24CV. The most expensive body style in each range was the closed car. Roadsters and tourers (torpedoes) were the cheapest.

File:Rétromobile 2017 - Renault Reinastella Type RM 2 - 1932 - 003.jpg]]

The London operation was important to Renault in 1928. The UK market was quite large and North America also received exports for the luxury car market. Lifted suspensions, enhanced cooling, and special bodies were common on vehicles sold abroad. Exports to the US by 1928 had declined to near-zero from their high point prior to WWI. A Type NM 40CV Tourer had a US list price of over US$4,600 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|4600|1928}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}), about the same as a Cadillac V-12, Packard Eight, Fiat 520, or Delahaye. Closed 7-seat limousines like the Renault Suprastella started at US$6,000 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|6000|1928}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}).

Cars were conservatively engineered and built. The Renault Vivasix, model PG1, was sold as the "executive sports" model beginning in 1927. Lighter weight factory steel bodies powered by a 3,180 cubic centimetre (cc) six-cylinder motor provided a formula that lasted until the Second World War.

"de Grand Luxe Renaults", those with a wheelbase over {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}}, were produced in small numbers in two major types – six- and eight-cylinder. The 1927 six-cylinder Grand Renault models NM, PI and PZ introduced the new three spring rear suspension that considerably aided stability that was needed since some vehicles surpassed {{convert|90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.

The straight 8-cylinder Reinastella was introduced in 1929 and expanded to a range culminating in 1939 Suprastella. Coachbuilders included Kellner, {{ill|Jean-Henri Labourdette|fr|Jean Henri-Labourdette|lt=Labourdette}}, J. Rothschild et Fils and Renault bodies. Closed car Renault bodies were often trimmed with interior woodwork by Rothschild.

File:Renault Viva Boucher.jpg and Hélène Boucher. During the 1930s, Renault settled several speed world records with Caudron planes, thanks to its 6-cylinders engines and aerodynamic designs.{{cite web|url=http://www.renaultsportf1.com/IMG/pdf/rsf1-presskit-2015-en_v6.pdf|title=Renault Energy F1-2015: Media Guide|work=Renault Sport F1|access-date=24 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218174146/http://www.renaultsportf1.com/IMG/pdf/rsf1-presskit-2015-en_v6.pdf|archive-date=18 February 2015}}]]

In 1928, Renault introduced an upgraded specification to its "Stella" line. The Vivastella's and Grand Renaults had upgraded interior fittings and a small star fitted above the front hood logo. This proved to be a winning differentiator and in the 1930s all cars changed to the Stella suffix from the previous two alpha character model identifiers.

The Grand Renaults were built using a considerable amount of aluminium. Engines, brakes, transmissions, floor and running boards and all external body panels were aluminium. Of the few that were built, many went to scrap to aid the war effort.

In 1931, Renault introduced diesel engines for its commercial vehicles.

Renault was one of the few French vehicle manufacturers that pursued the production of aircraft engines after World War I. In the late 1920s, it attempted to produce a high-power military engine to compete with the American Pratt & Whitney units, which proved unsuccessful, although its civil engines achieved better results.Smith, Michael Stephen (2006). pp. 419–420.

In the 1930s, the company took over the aircraft manufacturer Caudron, focusing its production in small airplanes, acquired a stake in Air France and partnered to establish the airmail company Air Bleu.{{cite conference |url= http://www.insee.fr/en/ppp/sommaire/imet95-96m.pdf|title=Restructuring in the auto industry: the precedent of the 1930s |first=Jean Louis|last=Loubet|date=1 December 1999 |conference=Changing for the better approaches to restructuring enterprise groups – 5th seminar of the INSEE Business Statistics Directorate |journal=Insee Méthodes |issue=95–96|publisher=Insee |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304022604/http://www.insee.fr/en/ppp/sommaire/imet95-96m.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2012|url-status=live}} Renault Caudron airplanes settled several speed world records during the 1930s. Renault continued developing tanks as part of France's rearming effort, including the D1 and the FT's replacement, the R 35.{{cite book|last=Zaloga |first=Steven J.|title=French Tanks of World War II (1): Infantry and Battle Tanks|series=New Vanguard|year=2014|publisher=Osprey Publishing|isbn=978-1-78200-389-2|pages=8–10}}

During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Renault was surpassed by Citroën as the largest car manufacturer in France. Citroën models at the time were more innovative and popular than Renault's.{{cite web |url= http://www.autonews.com/files/euroauto/inductees/renault.htm |title=The lonely man at the top of France's industrial world |last=Farhi |first=Stephane |website=autonews.com |access-date=3 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141120000939/http://www.autonews.com/files/euroauto/inductees/renault.htm |archive-date=20 November 2014}} However, by mid-1930s the French manufacturers were hit by the Great Depression. Renault could initially offset losses through its tractor, railroad and weaponry businesses, while Citroën filed for bankruptcy, and was later acquired by Michelin. Renault became again the largest car manufacturer, a position it would keep until the 1980s.

Renault was finally affected by the Great Depression economic crisis in 1936. The company spun off Caudron and its foundry and aircraft engine divisions into related but autonomous operations, keeping its core automotive business. Between 1936 and 1938, a series of labour disputes, strikes, and worker unrest spread throughout the French automobile industry.{{cite journal|last=Siedman|first=Michael|year=2000|title=The Birth of the weekend and the revolt against work: The workers of the Paris region during the popular Front (1936–1938)|journal=Society for French Historical Studies|publisher=Bell & Howell Information and Learning Company}} The disputes were eventually quashed by Renault in a particularly intransigent way, and over 2,000 people lost their jobs.

After the French capitulation in 1940, Louis Renault refused to produce tanks for Nazi Germany, which took control of his factories. As Renault was manufacturing the Renault UE tank for the Allies, he produced trucks instead. On 3 March 1942, the British Royal Air Force (RAF) launched 235 low-level bombers at the Île Seguin, Billancourt, Paris plant, the largest number aimed at a single target during the war.Ben Macintyre, Agent Zigzag, p37, Bloomsbury, 2010 ({{ISBN|978-1-4088-1149-8}}) {{Convert|460|MT|}} of bombs were dropped on the plant and the surrounding area, causing extensive damage along with heavy civilian casualties. Renault resolved to rebuild the factory as quickly as possible, but bombardments continued a year later, on 4 April, this time delivered by the Americans, and on 3 and 15 September 1943.

A few weeks after the Liberation of Paris, at the start of September 1944, the factory gates at Renault's Billancourt plant reopened. Operations restarted slowly, in an atmosphere poisoned by plotting and political conspiracy. In 1936, the Billancourt factory had been the scene of violent political and industrial unrest that had surfaced under Léon Blum's Popular Front government. The political jostling and violence that followed liberation ostensibly reflected the rivalries between capitalist collaboration and communist resistance; many of the scores settled predated the invasion.

Responding to the chaotic situation at Renault, a 27 September 1944 meeting of the Council of Ministers (fr) took place under de Gaulle's presidency. Postwar European politics had quickly become polarised between communists and anti-communists, and in France de Gaulle was keen to resist Communist Party attempts to monopolise the political dividends available to resistance heroes: politically Billancourt was a communist stronghold. The government decided to "requisition" the Renault factories. A week later, on 4 October, Pierre Lefaucheux, a resistance leader with a background in engineering and top-level management, was appointed provisional administrator of the firm, assuming his responsibilities at once.

Meanwhile, provisional government accused Louis Renault of collaborating with the Germans. In the frenzied atmosphere of those early post-liberation days, with many wild accusations, Renault was advised by his lawyers to present himself to a judge. He appeared before Judge Marcel Martin, on 22 September 1944 and was arrested on 23 September 1944, as were several other French automobile-industry leaders. Renault's harsh handling of the 1936–1938 strikes had left him without political allies and no one came to his aid. He was incarcerated at Fresnes prison where he died on 24 October 1944 under unclear circumstances,{{cite news| title = Louis Renault and the shame of a nation| work=The Daily Telegraph | first = Ian | last = Morton| date = 14 May 2005| url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2735296/Louis-Renault-and-the-shame-of-a-nation.html| location=London}} while awaiting trial.{{cite news| title = Foreign News: Was He Murdered?|magazine=Time | date = 6 February 1956| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,893292,00.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214123926/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,893292,00.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=14 December 2008}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19700107&id=dT0aAAAAIBAJ&pg=5789,2899107|title=The Rise and Fall of Louis Renault|last=Scriba|first=Jay|date=7 January 1970|work=The Milwaukee Journal|page=16|access-date=11 February 2014}}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 1 January 1945, by de Gaulle's decree, the company was posthumously expropriated from Louis Renault. On 16 January 1945, it was formally nationalised as Régie Nationale des Usines Renault.{{cite journal| first = René | last = Bellu | title =Automobilia| journal = Toutes les Voitures Françaises 1940–46 (Les Années Sans Salon)| volume = 26| page = 5|year = 2003|publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris }} Renault's were the only factories permanently expropriated by the French government.{{cite book| title = Language, politics, and society, p. 46-47| year = 1974| quote = | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=TlN0QLK4LhUC&q=louis+renault&pg=PA47| isbn = 978-1-85359-487-8| author1 = Ager, D. E| author2 = Wright, Sue| author3 = Hantrais, Linda| author4 = Howorth, Jolyon| publisher = Multilingual Matters}} In subsequent years, the Renault family tried to have the nationalisation rescinded by French courts and receive compensation. In 1945, and again in 1961, the Courts responded that they had no authority to review the government's actions.{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/20/business/global/20renault.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |title=To Restore Reputation of a Renault Founder, Family Goes to Court |last1=Jolly |first1=David |last2=Saltmarsh |first2=Matthew |date=19 May 2011 |access-date=18 February 2014 |newspaper= The New York Times}}

File:Renault 4CV BW 1.JPG]]

Under the leadership of Pierre Lefaucheux, Renault experienced both a commercial resurgence and labor unrest, that was to continue into the 1980s.

In the early 1950s, Renault assembled at least two models; "Standard Saloon" and "De Luxe Saloon" in England."British Cars 1951", by Peter Chambers, APC Publications, Birmingham. Pictures and summary at p.35. Details at p.47 and p.54-55

File:1959 Renault Frégate Transfluide.jpg, 1951]]

In secrecy during the war, Louis Renault had developed the rear engine 4CV{{cite journal | first = J. | last = Dewar McLintock |title= Thirty Remarkable years of Renault |journal= Autoworld |volume= 45 |page= 11 |date= April 1974}} which was subsequently launched under Lefacheux in 1946. Renault debuted its flagship model, the largely conventional 2-litre 4-cylinder Renault Frégate (1951–1960), shortly thereafter. The 4CV proved a capable rival for cars such as the Morris Minor and Volkswagen Beetle; its sales of more than half a million ensured its production until 1961.

File:Renault Dauphine photo.jpg]]

After the success of the 4CV, Lefacheux continued to defy the postwar French Ministry of Industrial Production, which had wanted to convert Renault solely to truck manufacture,{{cite web| title = 50 Jahre Renault Dauphine| date=5 October 2006| publisher=Auto-Motor, 05.10.2006, In German| url = http://www.auto-motor.at/Auto/Oldtimer/Renault-Dauphine.html}} by directing the development of its successor. He oversaw the prototyping of the Dauphine (until his death), enlisting the help of artist Paule Marrot in pioneering the company's textile and color division.

The Dauphine sold well as the company expanded production and sales further abroad, including Africa and North America.{{cite news|url=https://content.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1657867_1657681,00.html |title=The 50 Worst Cars of All Time|magazine=Time |date=7 September 2007|access-date=28 April 2015}} The Dauphine sold well initially in the US, although it subsequently became outdated against increased competition, including from the country's nascent domestic compacts such as the Chevrolet Corvair. Renault also sold the Renault Caravelle roadster, which was called the Floride outside North America.

File:Renault Floride S (2009-10-13).jpg, 1958]]

File:Rétromobile 2018 - Renault 8 Gordini type R1135 - 1970 - 002.jpg was the first sportive compact car for a public consumption price.Auto Plus (Auto Bild France) n°1362, 10 to 17 of October 2014–1964: La Renault 8 Gordini, la première "GTi" (translation : "1964 : Renault 8 Gordini, the first 'GTi'"). ]]

During the 1950s, Renault absorbed two small French heavy vehicle manufacturers (Somua and Latil) and in 1955 merged them with its own truck and bus division to form the Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Equipements Mécaniques (Saviem).{{cite book |last1=Carroll |first1=John |last2=Davies |first2=Peter James |title=Complete Book Tractors and Trucks |year=2007 |publisher=Hermes House |isbn=978-1-84309-689-4 |pages=66–67}}

File:Renault R4 BW 2016-07-17 13-45-32.jpg]]

Renault then launched two successful cars – the Renault 4 (1961–1992), a practical competitor for the likes of the Citroën 2CV, and the rear-engined Renault 8. The larger Renault 10 followed the success of the Renault 8, and was the last rear-engined Renault. The company achieved success with the more modern and more upmarket Renault 16, a pioneering hatchback launched in 1966, followed by the smaller Renault 6.

File:R12TL.JPG]]

On 16 January 1970, the manufacturer celebrated the 25th anniversary of its 1945 rebirth as the nationalised Régie Nationale des Usines Renault. The 1960s had been a decade of aggressive growth: a few months earlier, in October 1969, the manufacturer had launched the Renault 12, combining the engineering philosophy of its hatchbacks with the more conservative "three-box" design. The four-door Renault 12 model slotted between the Renault 6 and Renault 16. The model was a success. 1970 was also the first year during which Renault produced more than a million cars in a single year, building 1,055,803.{{cite journal | first = René | last = Bellu |title= Automobilia |journal= Toutes les Voitures Françaises 1970 (Salon [Oct] 1969) |volume= 31 |pages= 40 |year= 2004 |publisher= Histoire & collections |location= Paris}}

File:Renault 5 Turbo 2 - Coupe Florio 2015 01.jpg

File:1972 Renault 17TS in Yellow, front right (Lime Rock).jpgTS coupe]]

File:Juan María Traverso Renault Fuego GTX TC 2000 1986.jpg won 8 consecutive championships in the Argentinian TC 2000 touring car racing series between 1986 and 1993.]]

The company's compact and economical Renault 5 model, launched in January 1972,{{cite journal|first = René | last = Bellu|title=Automobilia|journal=Toutes les Voitures Françaises 1972 (Salon [Oct] 1971)|volume=76s|pages=50|year=2005|publisher=Histoire & collections|location=Paris}} was another success, anticipating the 1973 energy crisis. The Renault 18 was introduced in 1978 and the larger Renault 20 in 1975.

During the mid-seventies, the already broad-based company diversified into more industries and continued to expand globally, including South East Asia. The energy crisis led Renault to again attempt to attack the North American market. Despite the Dauphine's success in the United States in the late 1950s and an unsuccessful assembly project in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec (1964–72), Renault began to disappear from North America at the end of the decade.

Renault acquired a controlling stake in Automobiles Alpine in 1973, and over the decades, Renault developed a collaborative partnership with Nash Motors Rambler and its successor American Motors Corporation (AMC). From 1962 until 1967, Renault assembled complete knock down (CKD) kits of the Rambler Classic sedans in its factory in Belgium.{{cite web|url= http://www.renault.com/fr/passionsport/pages/renault-meconnues.aspx |title=Renault Meconnues |publisher=Renault |language=fr |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130918235648/http://www.renault.com/fr/passionsport/pages/renault-meconnues.aspx |archive-date=18 September 2013 |access-date=12 July 2022}} Renault did not have large or luxury cars in its product line and the "Rambler Renault" was positioned as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz "Fintail" cars. Later, Renault continued to make and sell a hybrid of AMC's Rambler American and Rambler Classic called the Renault Torino in Argentina (sold through IKA-Renault). Renault partnered with AMC on other projects, such as a rotary concept engine in the late 1960s.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, the company established subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, most notably Dacia in Romania, and South America (many of which remain active) and forged technological cooperation agreements with Volvo and Peugeot,{{cite journal|date=October 1982|title=Fourth Section: Manufacturer's profile|journal=Transit Bus Manufacturer Profiles|publisher=U.S. Dept. of Transportation, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Office of Technical Assistance, Office of Bus and Paratransit Systems|location=Washington DC|pages=128–137|oclc=9384438}} (for instance, for the development of the PRV V6 engine, which was used in Renault 30, Peugeot 604, and Volvo 260 in the late 1970s).

In the mid-1960s, Renault Australia was set up in Melbourne. The company produced and assembled models including the R8, R10, R12, R16, sporty R15, R17 coupes, R18, and R20. The unit closed in 1981 and the factory closed with LNC Industries taking over import and distribution of Renaults in Australia.{{cite web |title=Australian Motor Vehicle Manufacture |url=http://www.pocketoz.com.au/afe/motoring-manufacture2.html |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=pocketoz.com.au |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816232416/https://www.pocketoz.com.au/afe/motoring-manufacture2.html |url-status=dead }}

When Peugeot acquired Citroën and formed PSA, the group's collaboration with Renault was reduced, although established joint production projects were maintained. Prior its merging with Peugeot, Citroën sold to Renault the truck and bus manufacturer Berliet in December 1974,{{cite web|url= http://www.lepoint.fr/automobile/paul-berliet-itineraire-d-un-modeste-geant-10-08-2012-1494758_646.php |title=Paul Berliet : itinéraire d'un modeste géant|trans-title=Paul Berliet: itinerary of a modest giant|last=Chevallier|first=Jacques|work=Le Point|date=21 August 2012|access-date=21 September 2018}} merging it with its subsidiary Saviem in 1978 to create Renault Véhicules Industriels, which became the only French manufacturer of heavy commercial vehicles. In 1976, Renault reorganised the company into four business areas: automobiles (for car and light commercial vehicles or LCVs), finance and services, commercial vehicles (coaches and trucks over 2.5 tons GVW), and minor operations under an industrial enterprises division (farm machinery, plastics, foundry, etc.). In 1980, Renault produced 2,053,677 cars and LCVs. The cars at the time were the Renault 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 30; the LCVs were the 4, 5, and 12 Société and the Estafette. The company added 54,086 buses/coaches and trucks.

In North America, Renault partnered with American Motors Corporation (AMC), lending AMC operating capital and buying a minority 22.5% stake in the company in late 1979. The first Renault model sold through AMC's dealerships was the R5, renamed Renault Le Car. Jeep was keeping AMC afloat until new products, particularly the XJ Cherokee, could be launched. When the bottom fell out of the four-wheel drive (4×4) truck market in early 1980, AMC was in danger of bankruptcy. To protect its investment, Renault bailed AMC out with cash – at the price of a controlling 47.5% interest.{{cite book|last=Cranswick|first=Marc|title=The Cars of American Motors: An Illustrated History|year=2011 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-4672-8|pages= [https://archive.org/details/carsofamericanmo0000cran/page/279 279–295] |chapter=Kenosha Serves Cafe au Lait! |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/carsofamericanmo0000cran/page/279}} Renault replaced some AMC executives, and Jose Dedeurwaerder of Renault became President of AMC.

The partnership resulted in the marketing of Jeep vehicles in Europe. The Jeep XJ Cherokee may have been a joint AMC/Renault project since some early sketches of the XJ series were made in collaboration by Renault and AMC engineers (AMC insisted that the XJ Cherokee was designed by AMC personnel; even though a former Renault engineer designed the Quadra-Link front suspension for the XJ series).{{cite web|url=http://www.automobilemag.com/features/lists/0604_jeep_cherokee/|title=Jeep Cherokee in " 20 greatest cars "|work=automobilemag.com|publisher=Automobile Magazine TEN|date=15 March 2006|access-date=28 April 2015|archive-date=17 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417095917/http://www.automobilemag.com/features/lists/0604_jeep_cherokee/|url-status=dead}} The Jeep also used wheels and seats from Renault. Part of AMC's overall strategy was to save manufacturing costs by using Renault's parts and engineering expertise when practical. This led to the improvement of the venerable AMC inline six – a Renault/Bendix-based port electronic fuel injection system (usually called Renix) transformed it into a modern, competitive powerplant with a jump from {{convert|110|to|177|hp|abbr=on}} with less displacement (from 4.2 to 4.0 litres). The XJC Cherokee concept, which was conceived in 1983 as a successor to the XJ series, was also a joint collaboration with AMC and Renault engineers until the design was inherited by the Chrysler Corporation in late 1987 after Renault divested AMC – which debuted in 1989 as the Jeep Concept 1 (evolving into the Jeep Grand Cherokee in April 1992).

The Renault-AMC marketing effort in passenger cars was unsuccessful compared to the popularity of Jeep vehicles. This was because, by the time the Renault range was ready, the second energy crisis was over, taking with it much of the desire for economical, compact cars. One exception was the Renault Alliance (an Americanised version of the Renault 9), which debuted for the 1983 model year. Assembled at AMC's Kenosha, Wisconsin plant, the Alliance received Motor Trend{{'}}s domestic Car of The Year award in 1983.{{cite magazine|url= http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/car_of_the_year_winners/ |title=Car of the Year Winners, 1983 AMC Renault Alliance |magazine=Motor Trend |access-date=2015-03-08 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150403220707/http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/car_of_the_year_winners/|url-status=dead}} The Alliance's 72% US content allowed it to qualify as a domestic vehicle, making it the first car with a foreign nameplate to win the award. (In 2000, Motor Trend did away with separate awards for domestic and imported vehicles.) A surprising side effect of the AMC linkup was that Renault felt the effects of the Arab League boycott of companies doing business with Israel, as AMC built Jeeps there under license. Plans to sell the Renault 9 in the Middle East were mothballed as a result.{{cite magazine |ref=AG78 |magazine=De AutoGids |number=78 |volume= 3|page=73 |title=Franz Rekenhof bezorgd over Renault |trans-title=France's Court of Audit worried about Renault |first=Vic |last=Heylen |language=nl-be |date=16 September 1982 |location=Brussels, Belgium}}

Introductions in the US during the 1980s included the Renault Alliance GTA and GTA convertible – an automatic-top convertible with a 2.0 L engine – big for a car of its class and the Renault Fuego coupé. The Alliance was followed by the Encore (US version of the Renault 11), an Alliance-based hatchback. In 1982, Renault become the second European automaker to build cars in the US, after Volkswagen. However, bland styling and poor product quality proved insurmountable.{{cite book |last1=McGee Wilson |first1=John |last2=Thomas |first2=Howard |last3=Wilson |first3=David |title=Strategy: Analysis and Practice |date=2010 |publisher=McGraw Hill |isbn=9780077148232 |page=639 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-IVvEAAAQBAJ&dq=Renault+in+US+customer+complaints+about+poor+quality&pg=PA639 |access-date=12 July 2022}}

Eventually, Renault sold AMC to Chrysler in 1987 after the assassination of Renault's chairman, Georges Besse by Action directe. The Renault Medallion (Renault 21 in Europe) sedan and wagon was sold from 1987 until 1989 through Jeep-Eagle dealerships. Jeep-Eagle was the division Chrysler created out of the former AMC. Renault imports ended after 1989. A completely new full-sized 4-door sedan, the Eagle Premier, was developed during the partnership between AMC and Renault. The Premier design, as well as its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada, were the starting point for the sleek LH sedans such as the Eagle Vision and Chrysler 300M.

In early 1979, as part of its attempts to expand into the US market, Renault bought a 20% stake in truck manufacturer Mack.{{cite magazine|title=Renault buys a slice of the Mack action |magazine=Truck & Bus Transportation |date=July 1979 |page=51}}{{cite book|last=Hart |first=Jeffrey A. |title=Rival Capitalists: International Competitiveness in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe |year=1992 |series=Cornell studies in political economy |publisher=Cornell University Press |chapter=France |isbn=0-8014-9949-6 |page= [https://archive.org/details/rivalcapitalists00hart_0/page/119 119] |chapter-url= https://archive.org/details/rivalcapitalists00hart_0/page/119}} The aim of this operation was to make use of the company's extensive dealership network to distribute light trucks.{{cite web|url= https://www.mcall.com/1990/10/02/renaults-buyout-of-mack-puts-bite-back-in-the-bulldog/|title=Renault's Buyout of Mack Puts Bite Back in the Bulldog |last=Shope |first=Dan |website=The Morning Call |date=2 October 1990 |access-date=1 August 2013 |archive-date=27 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130827201720/http://articles.mcall.com/1990-10-02/business/2778115_1_mack-s-shares-renault-vehicules-industriels-mack-s-stock |url-status=live}} In 1983, Renault increased its stake in Mack to 44.6%. In 1987, it transferred the ownership of a 42% stake to Renault Véhicules Industriels.{{cite web|url=https://www.mcall.com/1987/05/28/mack-shares-shifted-at-renault/|title=Mack Shares Shifted at Renault|last=Shope|first=Dan |website=The Morning Call |date=28 May 1987 |access-date=1 August 2013 |archive-date=18 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130818135202/http://articles.mcall.com/1987-05-28/business/2574683_1_renault-vehicules-industriels-rvi-mack-trucks |url-status=live}}

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Renault increased its involvement in motorsport, with novel inventions such as turbochargers in its Formula One cars. Renault's Head of Engines, Georges Douin, orchestrated the installation of turbocharged engines across much of the Renault range beginning in 1980. 10% of all turbocharged European cars in 1984 were Renaults.{{cite journal|journal=Car|date=September 1984|page=94|title=Power professor|first=Howard|last=Williams|editor-last=Cropley|editor-first=Steve|publisher=FF Publishing|location=London, UK}} The company's road car designs were revolutionary in other ways also – the Renault Espace was one of the first minivans and was to remain the most well-known minivan in Europe for the next two decades. The second-generation Renault 5, the European Car of the Year-winning Renault 9, and the most luxurious Renault yet, the aerodynamic 25, were all released in the early 1980s. At the same time, poor product quality damaged the brand. The ill-fated Renault 14 may have been the culmination of these problems in the early 1980s.

File:Renault Espace 2165cc manufactured 1990 first registered UK November 1995 (lhd).JPG, the first European multi-purpose vehicle]]

[[Renault Twingo popularized the city car in Europe from 1992. Six years later, most of its rivals began to enter the city car market.|thumb|right]]

Renaults were somewhat successful on both road and track, including the 1984 Espace launch, which was Europe's first multi-purpose vehicle, a dozen years before any competitor. However, Renault was losing a billion francs a month totaling ₣12.5 billion in 1984. The government intervened and Georges Besse was installed as chairman; he set about cutting costs dramatically, selling many of Renault's non-core assets (Volvo stake, Gitane, Eurocar, and Renix), withdrawing almost entirely from motorsports, and laying off many employees.{{cite book |date=2004 |url=http://www2.cddc.vt.edu/digitalfordism/fordism_materials/Donnelly.pdf |last1=Donnelly |first1=Tom |last2=Donnelly |first2=Tim |last3=Morris |first3=David |title=Renault 1985–2000: From bankruptcy to profit |issue=30 |series=Working papers (Caen Innovation Marché Entreprise) |oclc=799704146 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903080634/http://www2.cddc.vt.edu/digitalfordism/fordism_materials/Donnelly.pdf |archive-date=3 September 2013}} This halved the deficit by 1986, but Besse was murdered by the communist terrorist group Action Directe in November 1986. He was replaced by Raymond Lévy, who continued Besse's initiatives, slimming the company enough that by the end of 1987, Renault was more or less financially stable. However, while Besse was convinced that Renault needed a presence in the North American market and wanted to push forward with restructuring AMC, Lévy, facing domestic losses from Renault at home, and losses from AMC in the US, along with the political climate that led to Besse's assassination, decided to sell AMC to Chrysler that same year.

The Renault 9, a small four-door family saloon, was voted European Car of the Year on its 1981 launch. It sold well in France, but was eventually eclipsed by its sister vehicle, the Renault 11 hatchback, as the hatchback body style became more popular in this size of the car. The Renault 5 entered its second generation in 1984 and continued to sell well. The long-running Renault 18 was replaced by the Renault 21 early in 1986, adding a seven-seater estate badged as the Nevada or Savanna depending on where it was sold. Renault's top-of-the-range model in the 1980s was the Renault 25, launched at the end of 1983.

In 1990, Renault strengthened its collaboration with Volvo by signing an agreement that allowed both companies to reduce vehicle conception costs and purchasing expenses. Renault had access to Volvo's expertise in upper market segments and in return, Volvo exploited Renault's designs for low and medium segments. In 1993, the two companies announced their intention to merge operations by 1 January 1994 and increased their cross-shareholding. The French accepted the merger, while Volvo shareholders rejected it.

A revitalised Renault launched successful new cars in the early 1990s, accompanied by an improved marketing effort on European markets, including the 5 replacement, the Clio in May 1990. The Clio was the first new model of a generation that replaced numeric identifiers with traditional nameplates. The Clio was voted European Car of the Year soon after its launch, and was one of Europe's best-selling cars in the 1990s, proving even more popular than its predecessor. Other important launches included the third-generation Espace in 1996 and the innovative Twingo in 1992, the first car to be marketed as a city car MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). The Twingo was roomier than any prior cars of its size range. Twingo sales reached 2.4 million in Europe, even though the original was only built for (Continental) left-hand drive markets.{{cite web|url= http://www.carscoops.com/2013/12/renault-remembers-original-twingo-on.html|title= Renault Remembers the Original Twingo on its 20th Anniversary |publisher=Carscoops.com |date=3 December 2013 |access-date= 28 April 2015}}

File:Renault Mégane Scénic (cropped).JPG, awarded Car of the year in Europe in 1997 and the first{{cite web|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20090320/ANE02/903209993/renault-wants-to-be-minivan-leader-again|title=From 1996, the Scenic has dominated the MPV market in Europe for more than a decade.|publisher=Auto news|quote="Renault invented the niche when it launched the first-generation Scenic in 1996."... "From 1996, the Scenic has dominated the MPV market in Europe for more than a decade."|date=20 March 2009|access-date=2014-11-30}} car to be marketed as a compact MPV, is the most popular MPV in Europe for 20 years.]]

It was eventually decided that the company's state-owned status was a detriment. By 1994, plans to sell shares to public investors were officially announced. The company was privatised in 1996. This new freedom allowed the company to venture once again into markets in Eastern Europe and South America, including a new factory in Brazil and upgrades for its infrastructure in Argentina and Turkey. In December 1996, General Motors Europe and Renault began to collaborate in the development of LCVs, starting with the second generation Trafic (codenamed X83).{{cite journal |year=2002 |url=http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/26/25/28/PDF/2004-05-12-372.pdf |last1=Midler |first1=C. |last2=Neffa |first2=P. |last3=Monnet |first3=J-C |title=Globalizing the firm through co-operative projects: The Case of Renault |volume=2 |issue=1 |journal=International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management |page=24 |doi=10.1504/IJATM.2002.000055 |issn=1741-5012}}

File:Renault - Interview de Carlos Ghosn - Mondial de l'Automobile de Paris 2012 - 001.jpg led Renault's cost cutting effort in 1998–2000.]]

Renault's financial problems were not all fixed by the privatisation, and Renault's president, Louis Schweitzer gave to his then deputy, Carlos Ghosn, the task of confronting them. Ghosn elaborated a plan to cut costs for the period 1998–2000, reducing the workforce, revising production processes, standardising vehicle parts and pushing the launch of new models. The company also undertook organisational changes, introducing a lean production system with delegate responsibilities inspired by Japanese systems (the "Renault Production Way"), reforming work methods, and centralising research and development at its Technocentre to reduce vehicle conception costs while accelerating such conception.

After Volvo's exit, Renault searched for a new partner to cope with an industry that was consolidating. Talks with BMW, Mitsubishi, Nissan, PSA and others were held and yielded a relationship with Nissan, whose negotiations with Daimler had stalled.{{cite book |last1=Kase |first1=Kimio |last2=Sáez-Martinez |first2=Francisco J. |last3=Riquelme |first3=Hernán |title=Transformational CEOs: Leadership and Management Success in Japan |chapter=Case Studies |year=2005 |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |isbn=1-84542-046-2 |pages=123–124}} Starting on 27 March 1999, the Renault–Nissan Alliance is the first of its kind involving a Japanese and a French company, including cross-ownership. Renault initially acquired a 36.8% stake at a cost of £2.7 billion in Nissan, while Nissan, in turn, took a 15% non-voting stake in Renault.Renault move looks good for UD Australia Truck & Bus Transportation May 1999 page 15 Renault continued to operate as a stand-alone company, but with the intent to collaborate with its alliance partner to reduce costs. The same year, Renault bought a 51% majority stake of the Romanian company Dacia for £408.5 million,{{cite book |last1=Grünig |first1=Rudolf |last2=Morschett |first2=Dirk |title=Developing International Strategies: Going and Being International for Medium-sized Companies |url= https://archive.org/details/developingintern00grni |url-access=limited |chapter=Strategies for Being International |year=2011 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-642-24724-8 |page= [https://archive.org/details/developingintern00grni/page/n332 308]}} thus returning after 30 years, in which time the Romanians had built over 2 million cars that primarily consisted of local versions of the Renault 8, 12 and 20. In 2000, Renault acquired a controlling stake of the newly formed South Korean Samsung Group's automotive division for £59.5 million.{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/04/21/worldbiz/renault/ |title=Renault buys Samsung unit |publisher=CNN |date=1 April 2000 |access-date=24 February 2014}}

In Japan, Renault was formerly licensed by Yanase Co, Japan's premier seller of imported cars. However, as a result of Renault's purchase of an interest in Nissan in 1999, Yanase cancelled its licensing contract with Renault in the spring of 2000, and Nissan took over as the sole licensee, hence sales of Renault vehicles in Japan were transferred from Yanase Store locations to Nissan Red Stage Store locations.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Renault sold various assets to finance its inversions and acquisitions,{{cite web |url= http://www.autonews.com/article/20030324/SUB/303240849/agriculture-deal-marks-end-of-renault-sell-offs |title=Agriculture deal marks end of Renault sell-offs | last = de Saint-Seine | first = Sylviane |website=autonews.com |date=24 March 2003 |access-date=7 August 2014}} refocusing itself as a car and van manufacturer. In 1999, the company sold its industrial automation subsidiary, Renault Automation, to Comau and its engine parts division to TWR Engine Components. In 2001, Renault sold its 50% stake in bus/coach manufacturer Irisbus to co-owner Iveco and its logistics subsidiary, CAT France, to Global Automotive Logistics. Following the sale of Renault {{sic|hide=y|Véhicules}} Industriels to Volvo in 2001, the company retained a minority (but controlling) stake (20%) in the Volvo Group. In 2010 Renault reduced its shareholding to 6.5% and in December 2012 sold its remaining shares.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-renault-volvo-idUKBRE8BB1I020121212 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082956/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-renault-volvo-idUKBRE8BB1I020121212 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |title=Renault sells remaining Volvo stake |work=Reuters |date=12 December 2012 |access-date=16 April 2013}} In 2004, Renault sold a 51% majority stake in its agricultural machinery division, Renault Agriculture, to CLAAS. In 2006, CLAAS increased its ownership to 80% and in 2008 took full control.{{cite web |url=http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/01/07/2008/111018/renaults-le-mans-tractor-plant-falls-under-100-claas.htm |title=Renault's Le Mans tractor plant falls under 100% Claas control | last =Fone | first = Nick |work=fwi.co.uk |date=1 July 2008 |access-date=20 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014440/http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/01/07/2008/111018/renaults-le-mans-tractor-plant-falls-under-100-claas.htm |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}

File:Renault Avantime registered February 2003 1998cc.JPG three-door MPV showcases Renault's distinctive design in early 2000s.]]

In the twenty-first century, Renault developed a reputation for distinctive, outlandish design. The second generation of the Laguna and Mégane featured ambitious, angular designs that turned out to be successful, The 2000 Laguna was the second European car to feature "keyless" entry and ignition.{{cite web |url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20001120/ANE/11200847/renault-stressed-innovations-on-new-laguna|title=Renault stressed innovations on new Laguna| last = Chew | first = Edmund|publisher=Automotive News Europe |date=20 November 2000 |access-date=28 April 2015}} Less successful were the company's more upmarket models. The Avantime, a unique coupé multi-purpose vehicle, sold poorly and was quickly discontinued while the luxury Vel Satis model also disappointed. However, the design inspired the lines of the second-generation Mégane, the maker's most successful car. As well as its distinctive styling, Renault was to become known for its car safety by the independent company Euro NCAP{{cite web|url= http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/safetyratings/changing_design_upgrading_standards_and_reducing_casualties/in_car_safety_en.htm |title=In June 2001, a further milestone was reached when the Renault Laguna became the first car to be awarded 5 stars for occupant protection |publisher=Euro NCAP |access-date=2014-12-22}} Thus, in 2001, the Laguna achieved a five-star rating, followed in 2004 by the Modus,{{cite web|url=http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/renault/modus/15649|title=Euro NCAP test results for Renault Modus|year=2004|access-date= 28 April 2015}} and acquired control of AvtoVAZ in 2008.{{cite news|title=Renault buys stake in Lada owner |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7135125.stm |access-date=5 July 2017 |work=BBC News |url-status = live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160406001437/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7135125.stm |archive-date=6 April 2016 }}

In April 2010, Renault–Nissan announced an alliance with Daimler. Renault supplied Mercedes-Benz with its brand new 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine and Mercedes-Benz provided a 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine to Renault–Nissan.{{cite web |url=http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/mercedes-and-renault-to-share-engines-1.999433 |title=Mercedes and Renault to share engines |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=9 December 2010 |access-date=10 April 2011}} The resulting new alliance was to develop a replacement for the Smart based on the Twingo.{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Alex |url=https://money.cnn.com/2010/12/23/autos/nissan_carlos_ghosn.fortune/?section=magazines_fortune |title=Carlos Ghosn: Around the world for Renault Nissan |publisher=CNNMoney |date=23 December 2010 |access-date=10 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514174442/http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/23/autos/nissan_carlos_ghosn.fortune/?section=magazines_fortune |archive-date=14 May 2011}}

In February 2010, Renault opened a new production factory near Tangier, Morocco, with an annual output capacity of 170,000 vehicles.{{cite web|title=Renault begins Lodgy production in Morocco, targets Europe|url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20120210/ANE/120219997/renault-begins-lodgy-production-in-morocco-targets-europe|work=Automotive News Europe|date=10 February 2012 |access-date=8 April 2014|format=10 February 2010}} Initially, it manufactured the Dacia Lodgy and Dacia Dokker models followed in October 2013{{cite web|title=Noile Dacia Logan, Sandero ?i Sandero Stepway|url=http://www.daciagroup.com/presa/comunicate-de-presa/2012/noile-dacia-logan-sandero-si-sandero-stepway|publisher=Dacia Group|access-date=12 January 2013|language=ro|date=27 September 2012}} by the second generation Dacia Sandero. The output capacity increased to 340,000 vehicles per year with the inauguration of a second production line.{{cite web|title=Inauguration of second production line at Renault-Nissan Tangier plant|url=http://www.media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=51354|publisher=Renault|access-date=8 April 2014|date=8 October 2013|quote=The new line will increase the site's output capacity to 340,000 vehicles a year, starting in 2014. It required an investment of €400 million and will produce Dacia Sandero and Dacia Sandero Stepway, two leading models in the Dacia range.|archive-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221136/http://www.media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=51354|url-status=dead}} The site is located in a dedicated free trade area, neighboring Tanger Automotive City.{{cite web|url=http://www.tangerfreezone.com/fr/tanger-automotive-city|title=Tanger Automotive City – GPI – Grande Plateforme Industrielle|work=tangerfreezone.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413154800/http://www.tangerfreezone.com/fr/tanger-automotive-city|archive-date=13 April 2014}} According to Renault, the new factory emits zero carbon and industrial liquid discharges.{{cite web|title=Tangier plant: setting new standards|url=http://www.renault.com/en/capeco2/laisser-moins-de-traces/pages/usine-tanger-site-industriel-pilote.aspx|work=Renault.com|access-date=12 January 2013}} Over 100,000 vehicles were produced there in 2013. Renault expects to eventually increase production at the Tangier plant to 400,000 vehicles per year.{{cite web|title=Renault Shifts Production to North Africa|url=http://groundreport.com/renault-shifts-production-to-north-africa/|work=Groundreport.com|date=12 February 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014}}

In the 2010s, Renault increased its efforts to gain market share in the Chinese market. In 2013, it formed a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group named as Dongfeng Renault, based on a failed previous venture with the Chinese company Sanjiang.{{cite web | url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2013-01/07/content_16090253.htm |title=After eight years of talks, a Renault-Dongfeng agreement | last = Han | first = Tianyang |work=China Daily | date=7 January 2013 | access-date=8 January 2015}} In December 2017, it signed an agreement with Brilliance Auto to create a new joint venture (Renault Brilliance Jinbei) aimed at producing light commercial vehicles and minivans under the Renault, Jinbei and Huasong marques.{{cite web|url=https://www.wardsauto.com/industry/france-s-renault-china-s-brilliance-form-lcv-jv |last=Harman |first=Alan |title=France's Renault, China's Brilliance Form LCV JV |work=Ward's |date=21 December 2017 |access-date=1 August 2018}} In December 2018, Renault announced it would acquire a "significant" stake in JMCG's electric vehicle subsidiary JMEV.{{cite web|url=http://autonews.gasgoo.com/china_news/70015497.html |title=Groupe Renault and JMCG announce EV cooperation in China |work=Automotive News Gasgoo |date=20 December 2018 |access-date=19 January 2019}} In July 2019, Renault took a 50% majority stake from JMEV through capital increase.{{cite web|title=雷诺向江铃集团增资10亿元 控股江铃新能源 |url=https://m.nbd.com.cn/articles/2019-07-17/1354863.html |trans-title=Renault increased capital {{yuan|1 billion}} to take control of JMCG's JMEV |language=zh |work=National Business Daily |last=Zhang |first=Bei |editor-last=Duan |editor-first=Siyao |access-date=17 July 2019 |date=17 July 2019}} In April 2020, Renault announced it planned to withdraw from the Dongfeng Renault venture, transferring its stake to Dongfeng.{{cite press release |url=https://en.media.groupe.renault.com/news/groupe-renault-sets-its-new-strategy-for-china-2cc6-989c5.html |title=Groupe Renault Sets Its New Strategy for China |publisher=Renault |date=14 April 2020 |access-date=15 April 2020}}

In December 2012, the Algeria's National Investment Fund (FNI), the Société Nationale de Véhicules Industriels (SNVI), and Renault signed an agreement to establish a factory near the city of Oran, Algeria, with the aim of manufacturing Symbol units from 2014 onwards. The production output was estimated at 25,000 vehicles. The Algerian State has a 51% stake in the facility.{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/19/business/global/renault-to-build-auto-assembly-plant-in-algeria.html |title=Renault to Build Assembly Plant in Algeria |last=Jolly |first=David |newspaper= The New York Times |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=20 February 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.just-auto.com/news/renault-exclusivity-deal-will-produce-symbol-model-from-2014_id130079.aspx |title=Renault exclusivity deal will produce Symbol model from 2014 |last=Warburton |first=Simon |website=Just-auto.com |date=20 December 2012 |access-date=20 February 2013 |archive-date=12 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312103742/http://www.just-auto.com/news/renault-exclusivity-deal-will-produce-symbol-model-from-2014_id130079.aspx |url-status=dead }}

In September 2013, Renault launched its brand in Indonesia, the world's fourth most populous country, with the aim of becoming one of the top European brands there until 2016. The model range at the time of the launch consisted of the Duster (locally assembled), the Koleos and the Mégane RS.{{cite press release |url= http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/media/pressrelease.aspx?mediaid=50783 |title=Renault launches product range for Indonesia at 2013 Jakarta Motor Show |archive-date=25 July 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140725023630/http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=50783 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 July 2022}} Later, the Clio and the Captur were also added.{{cite web|url= https://www.renault.co.id/range.html |title=Product range |website=renault.co.id}}

In April 2015, the French government upped their stake in Renault from 15% to 19.73% with the aim of blocking a resolution at the next annual general meeting that could reduce its control over the company.{{cite press release | work=Reuters| date=8 April 2015| title=France raises Renault stake to ensure long-term control | url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-renault-sa-france-idUSKBN0MZ0BO20150408}} In 2017, the government sold back shares and returned to a 15% stake as agreed with Renault.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-11-02/france-cuts-stake-in-renault-to-15-in-1-4-billion-share-sale |title=French Government Eases Grip on Renault With $1.4 Billion Sale | last=Nussbaum |first=Ania |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2 November 2017 |access-date=24 March 2018}}

During 2016, Renault changed position on the viability of small (B-segment) diesel cars in Europe, as they become significantly more expensive when re-engineered to comply with new emissions regulations as a result of the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Renault believes that all small and some mid-size (C-segment) will no longer be diesels by 2020.{{cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-renault-diesel-exclusive-idUSKCN11C1MF?il=0 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160918074237/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-renault-diesel-exclusive-idUSKCN11C1MF?il=0 |title=Exclusive: Renault sees diesel disappearing from most of its European cars|date=6 September 2016|archive-date=18 September 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=18 September 2016|url-status=live|quote=Renault (RENA.PA) expects diesel engines to disappear from most of its European cars, company sources told Reuters, after the French automaker reviewed the costs of meeting tighter emissions standards following the Volkswagen scandal.}}

However, on Friday, 13 January 2017, Renault shares fell as the Paris prosecutor started an investigation into possible exhaust emissions cheating.{{cite news|title=Renault emissions being investigated by Paris prosecutors: source|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-renault-probe-idUSKBN14X13C?il=0|access-date=13 January 2017|work=Reuters|date=13 January 2017}}{{cite news|title=Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi bets on spike in electric cars|url=https://phys.org/news/2017-09-renault-nissan-electric-vehicles.html|access-date=15 September 2017|work=Phys.org |date=15 September 2017}} The company later recalled 15,000 cars for emission testing and fixing.{{cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/19/10789162/renault-recall-15000-cars-emissions-probe-vw |title=Renault to recall 15,000 vehicles for emissions tests in wake of VW scandal |first=Amar |last=Toor |work=The Verge |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=20 January 2016}}{{cite news |title=Renault to modify 15,000 new cars in emission scare |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-35350474 |work=BBC News |location=UK |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=21 January 2016}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-36106783 |title=Renault to modify 15,000 new cars in emission scare |publisher=BBC |location=UK |date=19 January 2016 |access-date=22 April 2016}} Renault, along with several other automobile companies, has been accused of manipulating the measurement equipment for {{NOx}} pollution from diesel cars. Independent tests carried out by the German car club ADAC proved that, under normal driving conditions, diesel vehicles, including the Renault Espace, exceeded legal European emission limits for nitrogen oxide ({{NOx}}) by more than 10 times.[http://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICCT_NOx-control-tech_revised%2009152015.pdf NOX control technologies for Euro 6 Diesel passenger cars, Market penetration and experimental performance assessment], Liuhanzi Yang, Vicente Franco, Alex Campestrini, John German, and Peter Mock. ICCT in collaboration with ADAC, 3 September 2015.{{Citation | url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/volkswagen-emissions-scandal-more-carmakers-implicated-as-tests-reveal-pollution-levels-of-popular-a6674386.html| title=Volkswagen emissions scandal: More carmakers implicated as tests reveal pollution levels of popular diesels | newspaper=The Independent | access-date=1 October 2015}}{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/sep/30/wide-range-of-cars-emit-more-pollution-in-real-driving-conditions-tests-show |title=Wide range of cars emit more pollution in realistic driving tests, data shows |newspaper=The Guardian |date=30 September 2015| access-date=1 October 2015}} Renault denied any foul play, stating compliance with French and European standards.{{cite news|last1=Kostov |first1=Nick |title=Renault shares fall as emissions fraud probe opens |url= http://www.marketwatch.com/story/renault-shares-fall-as-emissions-fraud-probe-opens-2017-01-13 |access-date=13 January 2017 |work=MarketWatch}}

In November 2018, Renault's CEO Ghosn was arrested by Japanese officials for allegedly underreporting his Nissan's salary, following an internal review conducted by the Japanese company. Renault traded shares fell more than 15% after the arrest was known.{{cite web |title=Ghosn arrested in misconduct probe|url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20181119/ANE/181119737/1620|access-date=19 November 2018|date=19 November 2018|work=Automotive News Europe}} After Ghosn's arrest, the chief operating officer and company deputy chief Thierry Bolloré became the acting CEO and the board director Philippe Lagayette the acting chairman.{{cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/conjoncture/2018/11/20/20002-20181120ARTFIG00109-carlos-ghosn-n-est-plus-en-etat-de-diriger-renault-declare-le-maire.php|title=Arrestation de Carlos Ghosn : le tandem Lagayette-Bolloré nommé à la tête de Renault |trans-title=Ghosn arrest: the duo Lagayette-Bolloré appointed to lead Renault |language=fr |work=Le Figaro |last=Garcin |first=Wladimir |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=18 January 2019}} In January 2019, following Ghosn's resignation, Renault announced it had appointed Jean-Dominique Senard as chairman and the acting CEO Bolloré as CEO.{{cite press release|title=Board of Directors communication|url=https://media.group.renault.com/global/en-gb/groupe-renault/media/pressreleases/21221350/communique-du-conseil-dadministration5|access-date=24 January 2019|date=24 January 2019|publisher=Renault|archive-date=24 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124203903/https://media.group.renault.com/global/en-gb/groupe-renault/media/pressreleases/21221350/communique-du-conseil-dadministration5|url-status=dead}} In October 2019, Bolloré was fired and replaced by Renault's CFO Clotilde Delbos as acting CEO. Bolloré said his dismissal was a "coup" by Senard.{{cite web |title=Renault ousts chief executive Thierry Bolloré in 'coup'

|first=Theo|last=Leggett|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50016532|access-date=30 October 2019|date=11 October 2019|publisher=BBC}} In January 2020, Renault announced it had named Italian Luca de Meo as its new CEO, with him taking his post on 1 July. Delbos was named as his deputy.{{cite web |title=Renault chooses VW's Luca De Meo as new CEO |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200128-renault-chooses-vw-s-luca-de-meo-as-new-ceo|access-date=16 January 2021|date=29 January 2020|work=France 24}}

In May 2020, Renault announced a cost-cutting plan aimed at eliminating 15,000 jobs worldwide, about 10% of the company's workforce, due to falling sales and the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |title=Renault cuts 15,000 jobs in major restructuring |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52845849 |date=29 May 2020 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |access-date=29 May 2020}}

In January 2021, as part of a company revamp, Renault said it would divide its automotive division into four business units: Renault, Dacia and Lada, Alpine, and Mobilize (the latter for new "new mobility services").{{cite web |title=Renault's transformation strategy will see 24 new vehicles by 2025 |last=Attwood |first=James |url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry-news/renaults-transformation-strategy-will-see-24-new-vehicles-2025 |access-date=16 January 2021 |date=14 January 2021 |work=Autocar}}{{cite web |title=Welcome to the Dacia Bigster Concept |last=Harrison |first=Tom |url=https://www.topgear.com/car-news/concept/welcome-dacia-bigster-concept?amp |access-date=16 January 2021 |date=14 January 2021 |work=Top Gear}}

In April 2021, Renault said that its revenue fell by 1.1% from the beginning of 2021 until March and it will reduce car production and focus on models with higher margins.{{cite web|date=2021-04-22|title=Renault revenue falls for fifth quarter in a row |url= https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/renault-posts-falling-revenue-amid-turnaround-effort-2021-04-22/ |access-date=2021-04-22 |work=Reuters}}

In November 2022, Renault said it plans to spin off the electric car development into a subsidiary company tentatively called Ampère.{{cite web |title=Renault launches Ampere electric car business unit and Geely ICE joint-venture |last=Brodie |first=James |url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/359152/renault-launches-ampere-electric-car-business-unit-and-geely-ice-joint-venture |access-date=8 November 2022 |date=8 November 2022 |work=AutoExpress}} It also plans to spin off its powertrain production and development operations (including internal combustion engines and hybrid systems) into a joint venture company named Horse with Geely as co-owner.{{cite press release |title=Geely and Renault Group sign framework agreement to create leading powertrain technology company |url=https://media.renaultgroup.com/geely-and-renault-group-sign-framework-agreement-to-create-leading-powertrain-technology-company/?lang=eng |access-date=8 November 2022 |date=8 November 2022 |publisher=Renault}}

In January 2023, Renault said it intended to transfer almost 30% of its controlling stake in Nissan to a French trust (pending approval by both companies), reducing its shares with voting rights to a minority 15% and, in doing so, making Nissan shares in Renault to gain voting rights. The shareholding and voting ratio of both companies is set to be fixed in the future. The agreement also included Nissan investing in Ampere and projects in various markets.{{cite web |title=Nissan, Renault move toward alliance rejig, to make statement -sources |url= https://www.euronews.com/next/2023/01/30/nissan-renault |date=30 January 2023 |access-date=30 January 2023 |work=Euronews}}{{cite press release |title=Statement |url=https://media.alliancernm.com/statement//?lang=eng |access-date=31 January 2023 |date=30 January 2023 |publisher=Alliance}} In February 2023, both companies approved the going-ahead for the shareholding changes. Final details and regulatory clearances for the transaction were set to be completed by the first quarter of 2023 and it would be done by the fourth quarter. The companies also approved joint projects and Nissan's Ampere investment.{{cite press release |title=Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance open a new chapter for their partnership |url=https://media.renaultgroup.com/renault-nissan-mitsubishi-alliance-open-a-new-chapter-for-their-partnership/?lang=eng |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=6 February 2023 |publisher=Renault}} The share transfer was completed in November 2023.{{cite press release |title=Renault Group and Nissan announce the completion of their agreements framing the foundations of the new chapter of the Alliance |url=https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/231108-03-e |access-date=8 November 2023 |date=8 November 2023 |publisher=Nissan}}

March 31, 2025 – Renault to Acquire Nissan’s 51% Stake in Indian Manufacturing Unit{{cite news |title=Renault to buy Nissan's stake in India manufacturing unit, taking full ownership |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/renault-buys-nissans-51-stake-india-manufacturing-unit-2025-03-31/ |work=Reuters |date=March 31, 2025 |access-date=March 31, 2025}}

• 1899 Louis Renault "Driving, speed-changing mechanism and reversing gear"{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US660924|title=Driving and speed changing mechanism for motor vehicles|author-link=Louis Renault (industrialist) | first = Louis | last = Renault | year=1899|access-date=7 March 2015}} Louis Renault invented a revolutionary direct drive gear{{cite web|url=http://www.universalis.fr/encyclopedie/louis-renault/|title=Louis Renault (1877–1944)|publisher=Encyclopedia Universalis|year=1899|access-date=7 March 2015}} with no drive belt, with much better uphill performances.
• 1961 – Renault 4 was the first serial car with hatchback body style
• 1963 – Renault 8 was the first serial car with four-wheel disc brake system
• 1980 – First patents for "Braking distribution device for total adherence"{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0014954A1/en|title=Braking distribution device for total adherence|year=1980|access-date=7 March 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0014954B1/en|title=Braking distribution device for total adherence|year=1980|access-date=7 March 2015}}
• 1982 – Renault Fuego was the first serial car with keyless entry.
• 1988 CARMINAT, a real-time system for location and weather information. This program received European support from 1988, under the code Eureka EU-55 CARMINAT.{{cite web|url=http://trid.trb.org/view/1989/C/492535|title=Advanced driver information systems : the CARMINAT program|quote=The article describes the CARMINAT program's origins, its objectives and functions. It gives a progress report for the various modules made at the end of 1989| last = Sarignac | first = Alain |publisher=UC Berkeley Transportation Library|year=1989|access-date=7 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402180825/http://trid.trb.org/view/1989/C/492535|archive-date=2 April 2015}} These innovations for the real-time location and human-machine interfaces are included in the Renault R-link system and Carminat TomTom devices.
• 2000 – Renault Laguna was the second European car to feature "keyless" entry and ignition.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

{{criticism section|date=September 2024}}

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine which began on 24 February, many international, particularly Western companies pulled out of Russia. Unlike most of its Western competitors, Renault was slow to announce any divestments or scaling back of its operations in Russia, drawing criticism.{{Cite web |date=12 March 2022 |title=Renault said to be reluctant to leave Russia over costs |url=https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/renault-said-be-reluctant-leave-russia-over-costs |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=Automotive News Europe |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Patel |first=Tara |date=5 March 2022 |title=A deal with a Putin ally leaves automaker Renault trapped in Russia |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/03/05/business/renault-russia-deal/ |access-date=2022-03-13 |website=The Japan Times |language=en-US}} On 21 March, after a brief halt, Renault resumed production at the Renault Russia car plant near Moscow.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2022 |title=Renault resumes car production in Moscow as rivals cut ties with Russia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/mar/21/renault-moscow-russia-nestle |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Pladson |first=Kristie |date=22 March 2022 |title=Renault resumes car production in Russia as rivals withdraw |url=https://www.dw.com/en/renault-resumes-car-production-in-russia-as-rivals-withdraw/a-61211840 |access-date=23 March 2022 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}} On 23 March, while addressing the French National Assembly, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for French companies, including Renault, to leave Russia.{{Cite web |date=23 March 2022 |title=Ukraine's Zelensky shames French companies still operating in Russia, calls on them to leave |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20220323-ukraine-s-zelensky-shames-french-companies-still-operating-in-russia-calls-on-them-to-leave |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=France 24}} Later that day, Renault said it had "suspended" Renault Russia's operations and was "assessing the available options" regarding its AvtoVAZ ownership.{{Cite press release |title=Renault industrial activities in Russia are suspended |url= https://en.media.renaultgroup.com/news/renault-industrial-activities-in-russia-are-suspended-9c81-989c5.html |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022 |publisher=Renault}}

In May 2022, Renault signed agreements to sell 100% of its shares in Renault Russia to Moscow City entity and its 67.69% interest in AvtoVAZ to NAMI (the Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute). The agreement provides an option for Renault to buy back its interest in AvtoVAZ, exercisable at certain times during the next six years.{{Cite web |title=Renault Group signs agreements to sell Renault Russia and its controlling inte... |url=https://en.media.renaultgroup.com/news/renault-group-signs-agreements-to-sell-renault-russia-and-its-controlling-interest-in-avtovaz-1fb6-989c5.html |access-date=2022-05-24 |website=en.media.renaultgroup.com |language=en}}

{{Main|Renault Sport|Formula Renault}}

1907 Renault-built Replica of their [[French Grand Prix winner, one of 4 known to exist|thumb|left]]

Renault took part in motorsport at the beginning of the 20th century, promoted by Marcel Renault's racing interests and over the years acquired companies with a sporting connection such as Gordini and Alpine.

In the 1970s, Renault set up a dedicated motorsport division called Renault Sport, and, in 1978, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Renault Alpine A442. Renault has also achieved success in both rallying and in Formula One over the past few decades.

File:Renault RS7 rear Donington Grand Prix Collection.jpg

The company has also backed various one-make single-seater series such as Formula Renault and the Formula Renault 3.5. These two racing series were a step in the career of thousands of drivers, including Formula One champions Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Räikkönen{{cite web |url=http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/home/newsstory/512/40-Years-of-Renault-UK-Motorsport|title=40 Years of Renault UK Motorsport|publisher=Renault|access-date=8 March 2015}} and Lewis Hamilton,{{cite web |url=http://www.carpages.co.uk/renault/renault-formula-champions-04-11-08.asp|title=Formula Renault UK Celebrates Anniversary with Back-To-Back World Champions|publisher=Car pages|date=4 November 2008|access-date=8 March 2015}} as well as IndyCar champion Will Power.{{cite web |url=http://www.speedsport-magazine.com/race-driver-database/biography/will-power~2102.html|title=2005 Formula Renault 3.5 World Series|work=Speedsport magazine|access-date=8 March 2015}}

Renault Sport develops and manufactures the Renault Sport-badged cars,{{cite web |url=http://group.renault.com/en/passion-2/motorsport/motorsport-activities/ |title=Motorsport activities |publisher=Renault |access-date=25 February 2015}} as the Renault Clio RS (for Renault Sport) and the Renault Mégane RS, which own the world records in their categories, such as the Nürburgring,{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmag.com/renault-megane-rs-275-trphy-r-nurburgring-front-drive-record/32585/|title=Renault Megane RS sets new Nürburgring record for front drive cars|date=18 June 2014|publisher=gizmag|access-date=7 March 2015}} and the Suzuka circuit and awards from What Car?,{{cite web|url=http://www.whatcar.com/awards/2014/coty/hot-hatches/over-20k|title=This is the fifth time the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Cup has won our top-priced hot hatch gong. Make it a great hot hatch|publisher=What car?|access-date=6 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402205207/http://www.whatcar.com/awards/2014/coty/hot-hatches/over-20k|archive-date=2 April 2015}} Evo, and other magazines.

File:Alonso (Renault) qualifying at USGP 2005.jpg in 2005, the year in which the Renault team won the first of their two Formula One championships]]

File:Renault Alpine A442B René Arnoux at Goodwood 2014 001.jpg, 1978 Le Mans 24 Hours winner, at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed]]

File:Festival automobile international 2015 - Renault RS1 - 004.jpg]]

File:Jean-Luc Thérier - Alpine-Renault A110 1800 (1973 Rallye Sanremo).jpg]]

File:Renault Megane RS, IAA 2017 IMG 0411.jpg

{{Main|Renault in Formula One}}

Renault introduced the turbo engine to Formula One when they debuted their first car, the Renault RS01 at Silverstone in 1977. The Renault team continued until 1986. From 1989 Renault supplied engines for the successful Williams-Renault car.

Renault took over the Benetton Formula team in 2000{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/mar/03/formulaone.formulaone20033?INTCMP=SRCH |title=The Guardian 3 March 2003 |work=The Guardian|location=UK |access-date=6 January 2011 |date=3 March 2003}} for the 2001 season and renamed it Renault F1 in 2002. In 2005 and 2006 the team won the Constructors' and Drivers' titles (with Fernando Alonso).{{cite news|last=Garside |first=Kevin |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2370086/Question-mark-over-Renault.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/columnists/kevingarside/2370086/Question-mark-over-Renault.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=The Telegraph 21 December 2005 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=21 December 2005 |access-date=6 January 2011}}{{cbignore}} At the 2005 French Grand Prix Carlos Ghosn set out his policy regarding the company's involvement in motorsport:

: "We are not in Formula One out of habit or tradition. We're here to show our talent and that we can do it properly ... Formula One is a cost if you don't get the results. Formula One is an investment if you do have them and know how to exploit them."

Renault powered the winning 2010 Red Bull Racing team, and took a similar role with its old team in December 2010, when it sold its final stake to the investment group Genii Capital, the main stakeholder{{cite web|title=Renault F1 team to be renamed Lotus Renault GP in 2011 |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9267715.stm |first=Andrew |last=Benson |website=news.bbc.co.uk |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=11 September 2011}} since December 2009,{{cite web|url= http://www.speed-magazin.de/index.php?topic=news/story&ID=19425&serie=formula1|title=Formula 1: Renault sells 75 percent to Genii Capital but stays in F1 as Renault|work=SpeedMagazin|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-date=20 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170620073524/http://www.speed-magazin.de/index.php?topic=news%2Fstory&ID=19425&serie=formula1|url-status=dead}} ending Renault's direct role in running a F1 team for the second time.{{cite news|last=Cary |first=Tom |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8190138/Formula-one-rivals-Team-Lotus-and-Group-Lotus-square-up-in-escalating-war-of-words.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/8190138/Formula-one-rivals-Team-Lotus-and-Group-Lotus-square-up-in-escalating-war-of-words.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=', The Telegraph', 8 December 2010 |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=8 December 2010 |access-date=6 January 2011}}{{cbignore}}

Renault bought the Enstone-based team for the 2016 season, rebranding it Renault.{{cite web|url=http://www.renaultsport.com/Renault-launches-comprehensive-Motorsport-programme.html|title=Renault launches comprehensive Motorsport programme|publisher=Renault Sport|date=3 February 2016|access-date=2 March 2016|archive-date=5 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405191553/http://www.renaultsport.com/Renault-launches-comprehensive-Motorsport-programme.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/first-points-for-renault-team-after-f1-return-732684 |title=First points for Renault team after F1 return |publisher=Motorsport.com |date=1 May 2016 |access-date=30 August 2016}} In 2021, the team was renamed Alpine F1 Team and became part of the new Alpine business unit, with Renault retained as the engine nameplate. Renault will stop manufacturing F1 engines at Viry-Châtillon after the {{F1|2025}} season.{{Cite web |title=Renault veut abandonner la Formule 1 : surprise et colère à Viry-Châtillon |url=https://nvo.fr/renault-veut-abandonner-la-formule-1-surprise-et-colere-a-viry-chatillon/#:~:text=L'annonce%20surprise%20de%20l,provoque%20aussi%20une%20forte%20indignation. |website=La vie ouvrière| date=6 August 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=MENACE DE GRÉVE A l'USINE ALPINE RENAULT F1 DE VIRY CHATILLON APRÉS L'ANNONCE DE L'ARRÊT DES MOTEUIRS F1 POUR… MERCEDES |url=http://www.autonewsinfo.com/2024/07/30/menace-de-greve-a-lusine-alpine-renault-f1-de-viry-chatillon-473055.html |website=auto news info}}

Renault has been involved in rallying from an early era. Marcel Renault won the 1902 Rallye Paris-Vienna, but lost his life while competing in the 1903 Paris-Madrid rally.{{cite web |url=http://www.rallye-info.com/carmake_profile.asp?make=5 |title=Renault Manufacturer Profile & Rally History |publisher=Rallye-info.com |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520154701/http://www.rallye-info.com/carmake_profile.asp?make=5 |archive-date=20 May 2012 |url-status=live}}

During the 1950s and 1960s, Renault manufactured several small cars with rear wheel drive in some cases, as the 4CV, the R8 or the Dauphine. These cars were well-adapted to the rally of the time, and the tuner Amedee Gordini collaborated with its performance. In the 1950s the Renault Dauphine won several international rallies, including the 1956 Mille Miglia and the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.{{cite web|url=http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/229371/ |title='Autocar', 28 November 2007 |work=Autocar |date=28 November 2007 |access-date=6 January 2011}}

In 1973, Renault took control of Automobiles Alpine, a related company for several years, which was responsible for building successful rally cars such as the A110.{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/con-alpin.html |title=Constructors: Alpine (Automobiles Alpines) |publisher=Grandprix.com |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522184248/http://grandprix.com/gpe/con-alpin.html|archive-date=22 May 2012|url-status=live}} A highly evolved A110 won the first World Rally Championship, representing Alpine-Renault.

In 1976, the Alpine's competition department and the Gordini factory at Viry-Chatillon were merged into Renault Sport. The focus shifted to Formula One, although Renault achieved several victories including the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally with the Renault 5 Turbo before retirement from the world rally in late 1994.

Renault cars also participate of cross-country races, most prominently the Dakar Rally. The Marreau brothers won the 1982 edition driving a Renault 20 Turbo 4x4 prototype.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/passionsport/les-vehicules-historiques/pages/renault-20-4x4.aspx |title=Renault 20 4X4 Paris-Dakar |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408215752/http://www.renault.com/en/PassionSport/les-vehicules-historiques/Pages/renault-20-4x4.aspx |archive-date=8 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Later, Renault provided a Renault Megane platform{{citation needed|date=February 2015}} and sponsored the Schlesser-Renault Elf buggies that won the 1999{{cite web |url=http://english.renaultclub.cz/english/sport/buggy.htm |title=Renault Buggy – Dakar 1999 |publisher=Renaultclub.cz |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-date=18 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518163843/http://english.renaultclub.cz/english/sport/buggy.htm |url-status=dead }} and 2000 editions.{{cite web|url=http://www.whoholdsthetitle.com/headline/list-of-dakar-rally-car-and-motorcycle-champions/ |title=List of Dakar Rally Car, Truck and Moto Champions |publisher=Whoholdsthetitle.com |access-date=16 May 2012 }} The 1999 car was the first two-wheel drive Dakar's winner.{{cite web |url= http://www.renault.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Communiqu%C3%A9%20de%20presse/en-EN/Pieces%20jointes/105_RP_D_1222938816.rtf |title=Dakar – Cairo 2000. The Schlesser-Renault-Elf team out in strength |website=renault.com |access-date=16 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204334/http://www.renault.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Communiqu%C3%A9%20de%20presse/en-EN/Pieces%20jointes/105_RP_D_1222938816.rtf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Renaults won the European Rally Championship four times, in 1970, 1999, 2004 and 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.motorsport-archive.com/results/series/102|title=Renault and Renault Alpine victories in the European Rally Championship|website=motorsport-archive.com|access-date=2015-03-08}}

Below is the ranking of vehicle production in Renault group factories in 2023:{{cite news |lang=fr |url= https://www.largus.fr/pros/actualite-automobile/le-groupe-renault-a-produit-2-392-millions-d-autos-dans-le-monde-dont-20-en-france-30032720.html |title=The Renault group produced 2.392 million vehicles worldwide, including 20 % in France |newspaper=www.largus.fr |access-date=May 1, 2024}}

Below is the production of engines, Horse division for thermal engines and Ampere division for electric motors, in the Renault group factories in 2023:

Below is the production of gearboxes in the Renault group factories in 2023:

Renault's head office is in Boulogne-Billancourt."[http://www.renault.com/en/Groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/Pages/boulogne.aspx Boulogne-Billancourt – RSAS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923150325/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/boulogne.aspx |date=23 September 2009 }}." Renault. Retrieved 22 September 2009. The head office is located near the old Renault factories; Renault has maintained a historical presence in Boulogne-Billancourt{{cite web|url= http://www.journaldunet.com/economie/reportage/les-sieges-sociaux-des-entreprises-du-cac-40/renault-n-a-pas-quitte-boulogne.shtml |title= Renault n'a pas quitté Boulogne |work=Le Journal du Net |access-date=12 July 2022}} since the company's opening in 1898.

Renault is administered through a board of directors, an executive committee and a management committee.{{cite web |url=http://group.renault.com/en/our-company/leadership/ |title=Leadership |publisher=Renault |access-date=28 July 2014}} {{As of|January 2019}}, members of the 19-seat board include Jean-Dominique Senard (as chairman), Cherie Blair, Catherine Barba and Pascale Sourisse.{{cite web |url= http://group.renault.com/en/our-company/leadership/board-of-directors/ |title=Board of Directors |publisher=Renault |access-date=18 January 2019}} Clotilde Delbos is the acting CEO.

{{Main|List of Renault vehicles}}

Current model line up, with calendar year of introduction:{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.com/en/vehicules/renault/pages/index.aspx |title=Renault Cars |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=3 January 2012}}

• Espace (1984–present; crossover)
• Clio (1990–present; hatchback)
• Mégane E-Tech Electric (2021–present; crossover)
• Kangoo (1997–present; developed by Renault and sold in some markets as the Mercedes-Benz Citan and the Nissan Townstar)
• Captur (2013–present; crossover)
• Duster Oroch (Latin America only) (2015–present; pick-up)
• Kwid (2015–present; hatchback)
• Alaskan (2016–present; pick-up)
• Triber (2019–present; mini MPV)
• Arkana (2019–present; crossover)
• Kiger (2021–present)
• Taliant (2021–present; restyled Dacia Logan)
• Austral (2022–present; crossover)
• Espace (2023-present; )
• Rafale (2024–present; crossover coupé)
• Scenic E-Tech (2024–present; crossover)
• Symbioz (2024–present; crossover)
• 5 E-Tech (2024–present; hatchback)

Dacia vehicles, sold in some markets under the Renault marque:

• Logan (2004–present)
• Sandero (2008–present)
• Duster (2009–present)

Renault Samsung vehicles, sold in some markets under the Renault marque:

• Koleos (2008–present; Renault Samsung QM5/Renault Samsung QM6)
• Arkana (2020–present; Renault Samsung XM3)

Renault light commercial vehicles:

• Master (1980–present; developed by Renault and sold in some markets as the Nissan Interstar)
• Trafic (1980–present; developed by Renault and sold in some markets as the Nissan Primastar)
• Kangoo (1997–present; developed by Renault and sold in some markets as the Mercedes-Benz Citan and the Nissan Townstar)
• Express (2021–present; developed by Renault and sold in some markets as the Mercedes-Benz Citan and the Nissan Townstar)

Dacia light commercial vehicles, sold in some markets under the Renault marque:

• Dokker (2012–2020)
• Duster Commercial (2017–present){{cite web|url= https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles.html|title=Dacia Car Range - Choose from our model range - Dacia UK |website=dacia.co.uk}}{{cite web|url= https://www.dacia.co.uk/vehicles/duster-commercial.html |title=Dacia Duster commercial |website=dacia.co.uk}}

{{Main|List of Renault vehicles#Concept cars|l1=List of Renault vehicles: Concept cars}}

Renault concept cars show future design and technology directions. Since 2008, Renault has displayed various all-electric car concepts under the name "Z.E.", for zero emission, starting with a concept based on the Renault Kangoo Be Bop. Further concepts and announcements followed, with the production of the Fluence Z.E. saloon beginning in 2011 and the Renault Zoe in 2012.

Renault revealed the Ondelios hybrid concept in 2008.{{cite web|last=Stoy |first=Andrew |url= http://jalopnik.com/5047807/renault-ondelios-concept-sets-gullwing-doors-into-attack-mode-ahead-of-paris |title=Renault Ondelios Concept Sets Gullwing Doors into Attack Mode Ahead of Paris – Renault Ondelios Concept |work=Jalopnik |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=12 April 2009}}{{cite web|last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |url=http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/10/paris-preview-renault-ondelios-diesel-hybrid-crossover-52-3-mp/ |title=Paris Preview: Renault Ondelios diesel hybrid crossover, 52.3 mpg |website=autobloggreen.com |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=12 April 2009}} but this was overtaken by the Z.E. programme. However, Renault presented a new hybrid car in September 2014, the Eolab, which incorporates various innovations that the company said will be added to production models by 2020.{{cite web |last=Horrell |first=Paul |url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/renault-eolab-concept-first-drive-2014-09-16 |title=Top Gear drives the Renault Eolab |work=Top Gear |date=16 September 2014 |access-date=23 September 2014 |archive-date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206192350/http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/renault-eolab-concept-first-drive-2014-09-16 |url-status=dead }}

In 2014 at the New Delhi Auto Show, Renault announced a new model, the Kwid Concept, which comes with helicopter drone.{{cite news|url=http://www.gizmag.com/renaults-kwid-concept-suv/30765/|title=Renault's KWID Concept comes with its own Flying Companion quadcopter|last=MacKenzie|first=Angus|date=10 February 2014|work=Gizmag|access-date=17 February 2014}}

File:Renault 5 Prototype IAA 2021 1X7A0272.jpg| Renault 5 Prototype (2021)

File:Renault 4Ever Trophy 02.png| 4ever Trophy (2022)

File:Renault Scénic Vision 02.png| Scénic Vision (2022)

File:Renault Twingo concept 2023.jpg| Twingo Legend (2023)

File:R17 electric restomod - 06.jpg| R17 Electric Restomod X ORA ÏTO (2024)

File:Renault Emblème Concept - 01.jpg| Emblème (2024)

{{clear}}

{{See also|Renault–Nissan Alliance#Zero-emission vehicles|l1=Renault–Nissan Alliance zero-emission vehicles}}

[[Renault Zoe, a pure electric car with a 210 km to 230 km range|thumb]]

[[Renault Twizy all-electric heavy quadricycle|thumb]]

In 2013, Renault became the leader of electric vehicles sales in Europe, thanks to its large range of vehicles (Twizy, Zoe, Fluence, Kangoo).{{cite web|title=Renault confirms its leadership in the European electric vehicles market in 2013 and 2014|url=https://twitter.com/RenaultZE/status/562660405818818560|publisher=Renault Zero Emission|access-date=2015-02-20|date=2 February 2015}}{{Primary source inline|date=November 2020}} The Renault Zoe was Europe's best selling all-electric car in 2015 and 2016.{{cite news|url= http://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/20/renault-zoe-was-europes-best-selling-ev-last-year/|title= Renault Zoe was Europe's best-selling EV last year |first= Chris|last= Bruce |work=Renault |publisher=Autoblog.com |date=2016-01-20|access-date=2016-02-06}}{{cite web | url=http://www.avere-france.org/Site/Article/?article_id=6847&from_espace_adherent=0 | title=La France s'impose comme le leader des ventes de véhicules 100% électriques en Europe en 2016 | language=fr | trans-title=France has emerged as the leader in vehicle sales 100% electric in Europe in 2016 | author=France Mobilité Électrique - AVERE France | publisher=AVERE | date=30 January 2017 | access-date=3 February 2017 | archive-date=4 February 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204171615/http://www.avere-france.org/Site/Article/?article_id=6847&from_espace_adherent=0 | url-status=dead }} Global Zoe sales reached the 50,000 unit mark in June 2016,{{cite news| url=http://www.hybridcars.com/renault-zoe-and-bmw-i3-join-the-50000-sales-club/ | title=Renault Zoe and BMW i3 Join The 50,000 Sales Club | first=Jeff | last=Cobb| work=HybridCars.com| date=2016-08-01| access-date=2016-08-01}} "{{As of|2016|06}}, cumulative global sales of the top selling plug-in electric cars were led by the Nissan Leaf (about 225,000), Tesla Model S (over 129,000), Votl/Ampera family (over 117,000), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (about 107,000), Toyota Prius PHV (over 75,000), BYD Qin (56,191), Renault Zoe (51,193), and BMW i3 (almost 50,000)." and achieved the 150,000 unit milestone in June 2019.{{cite news|url= https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1141770/New-Renault-Zoe-2019-battery-range-electric-car | title=New Renault Zoe REVEALED with more range, bigger battery and more power | first =Luke John | last = Smith |newspaper=Daily Express | date=2019-06-18 | access-date=2020-05-22|quote=Nearly 150,000 registrations by the end of May 2019}} Groupe Renault global electric vehicle sales passed the 100,000 unit milestone in September 2016.{{cite press release |url= http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/content/renault-nissan-alliance-hits-milestone-350000-electric-vehicles-sold-maintains-position-glob | title=Renault-Nissan Alliance hits milestone of 350,000 electric vehicles sold, maintains position as global EV leader |website=blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com |location=Paris/Yokohama | date=2016-09-13 | access-date=2016-09-13 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170223135611/http://blog.alliance-renault-nissan.com/content/renault-nissan-alliance-hits-milestone-350000-electric-vehicles-sold-maintains-position-glob | archive-date=23 February 2017 | url-status=dead}} The Alliance has sold its 350,000th electric vehicle since December 2010, when the Nissan Leaf went on sale. The milestone was achieved in August 2016. The Alliance also set an industry record of 100,000 EVs sold in a single year.{{cite web | url=http://elbil.no/na-har-renault-solgt-100-000-elbiler/ | title=Nå har Renault solgt 100.000 elbiler | language=no | trans-title=Renault has now sold 100,000 EVs | first=Petter | last=Haugneland | publisher=Norsk Elbilforening (Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association) | date=2016-09-12 | access-date=2016-09-12 | archive-date=15 September 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915123503/http://elbil.no/na-har-renault-solgt-100-000-elbiler/ | url-status=dead }} Since the launch of the Renault electric program, the Group has sold more than 273,550 electric vehicles worldwide through December 2019. Since inception, a total of 181,893 Zoe city cars, 48,821 Kangoo Z.E. electric vans, 29,118 Twitzy heavy quadricycles, and 10,600 Fluence Z.E. cars have been sold globally through December 2019.{{cite web| url=https://group.renault.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/urd_2019_-3-avril_14h.pdf | title=2019 Universal Registration Document | author=Groupe Renault |publisher=Renault | date=2020-03-19 | access-date=2020-05-22|quote=Since the launch of the Renault electric program, the Group has sold more than 252,000 electric vehicles in Europe and more than 273,550 electric vehicles worldwide.}} See pp. 24 and 39. Since inception, a total of 181,893 Zoe cars, 48,821 Kangoo Z.E. electric vans, 29,118 Twitzy heavy quadricycles, and 10,600 Fluence Z.E. cars have been sold globally through December 2019.

Beginning in 2008, Renault made agreements for its planned zero-emissions products, including with Israel, Portugal, Denmark and the US states of Tennessee and Oregon,{{cite web | first = Christoph | last = Hammerschmidt |url=http://www.automotivedesign-europe.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=211100106&cid=NL_ADLeu |title=Automotive DesignLine Europe |publisher=Automotivedesign-europe.com |access-date=12 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116055843/http://www.automotivedesign-europe.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=211100106&cid=NL_ADLeu |archive-date=16 January 2009 |url-status=dead}} Yokohama in Japan and the Principality of Monaco.{{cite web|url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2008/11/renault-nissa-1.html |title=Renault-Nissan Alliance Adds Oregon and Monaco to Growing Roster of EV Partners |publisher=Green Car Congress |access-date=12 April 2009}} Serge Yoccoz is the electric vehicle project director.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/26/business/worldbusiness/26iht-rbogcar.1.18175215.html?pagewanted=all&_r=2&|title=Paradigm shif gives new momentum to electric cars|newspaper=The New York Times|date= 26 October 2008|access-date=28 April 2015|first=Malachy|last=Tuohy}}

In 2008, Renault–Nissan signed a deal to produce electric cars for an initiative in Israel with Better Place, a US company developing new non-petroleum–based transport infrastructure. Renault aimed to sell 10–20,000 cars a year in Israel.{{cite news |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL2143406820080121 |title=Renault to develop electric cars for Israel project |first=Steven |last=Scheer |date=21 January 2008 |work=Reuters |access-date=15 April 2010}} Renault also agreed to develop exchangeable batteries for the project.{{cite press release |title=Renault-Nissan and Project Better Place prepare for first mass produced electric vehicles |work=Better Place (company) |date=21 January 2008 }} Renault collaborated with Better Place to produce a network of all-electric vehicles and thousands of charging stations in Denmark, planned to be operational by 2011.{{cite news |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/renault-bets-on-electric-827716.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515014238/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/renault-bets-on-electric-827716.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 May 2008 |title=Renault Bets on Electric |first=Sean |last=O'Grady |date=14 May 2008 |work=The Independent |location=UK |access-date=15 May 2008}} The Renault Fluence Z.E.,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/04/renaults-fluence-ze-headed-for-a-better-place/ |title=Renault's Fluence Z.E. Headed for a Better Place |date=16 April 2010 |magazine=Wired |access-date=12 January 2011 |first=Keith |last=Barry}} was selected for the Israel project. It became the first zero-emission vehicle with a switchable battery,{{cite web |url=http://www.israel21c.org/briefs/israels-better-place-and-renault-partner-in-first-mass-market-electric-vehicle |title=Israel's Better Place and Renault partner in first mass-market electric vehicle |date=17 September 2009 |publisher=Israel 21c Innovation News Service |access-date=20 January 2010}} with trials in 2010 undertaken with the Renault Laguna. Renault ended the partnership in 2013, following Better Place's bankruptcy, with only 1,000 vehicle sales in Israel and 240 in Denmark.{{cite news|title=Renault to End Better Place Partnership After Bankruptcy|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-27/renault-to-end-better-place-partnership-after-bankruptcy.html|work=Bloomberg|access-date=8 August 2013|date=27 May 2013|first=Mathieu|last=Rosemain}}

Renault–Nissan and the largest French electric utility, Électricité de France (EDF), signed an agreement to promote electric vehicles in France. The partnership planned to pilot projects on battery management and charging infrastructure.{{cite news|last=Massy |first=Helen |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69025620101001 |title=Reuters 1 October 2010 |work=Reuters |access-date=10 April 2011 |date=1 October 2010}} Renault–Nissan also signed deals with Ireland's Electricity Supply Board (ESB),{{cite web|url=http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/2975/ |title=Energy Efficiency News 13 April 2010 |publisher=Energyefficiencynews.com |date=13 April 2010 |access-date=10 April 2011}} and in Milton Keynes as part of the UK's Plugged in Places national project.{{cite web|url=http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/3011/ |title=Energy Efficiency News 23 April 2010 |publisher=Energyefficiencynews.com |date=23 April 2010 |access-date=10 April 2011}}

{{cquote|We have decided to introduce zero-emission vehicles as quickly as possible in order to ensure individual mobility against the background of high oil prices and better environmental protection|||Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan}}

According to Ghosn, the Renault–Nissan alliance was a fundamental step in electric car development, and that they needed each other for other issues such as battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure and business strategy.{{cite web |last=Loveday |first=Eric |url=http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/ghosn-says-nissan-renault-partnership-makes-evs-doable-companie/ |title=Ghosn says Nissan-Renault partnership makes EVs doable, companies couldn't go it alone – Autoblog Green |publisher=Green.autoblog.com |date=25 June 2010 |access-date=3 July 2010 |archive-date=1 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701173430/http://green.autoblog.com/2010/06/25/ghosn-says-nissan-renault-partnership-makes-evs-doable-companie/ |url-status=dead }}

{{cquote|I don't think either Renault or Nissan would have been able to launch an EV alone successfully. You can have an electric car alone. But what you cannot have is an EV business system, from batteries to recycling to cars to infrastructure to negotiation, by being alone.|||Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Nissan}}

The Renault–Nissan group is a member of the PHEV Research Center. In September 2013, Renault and Bolloré announced an agreement to collaborate on a new electric vehicle and in car-sharing project.{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/49ca1de2-1bc8-11e3-94a3-00144feab7de.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/49ca1de2-1bc8-11e3-94a3-00144feab7de.html |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |title=Renault and Bolloré in electric car deal |last1 = Carnegy | first1 = Hugh | last2 = Thomson | first2 = Adam |work=Financial Times|date=12 September 2013 |access-date=5 November 2013}}

File:Renault, GIMS 2024, Le Grand-Saconnex (GIMS0030-5).jpg at the 2024 Geneva International Motor Show]]

In 2021, Renault launched a new EV and mobility brand called Mobilize{{Cite web|url=https://www.carscoops.com/2021/01/renault-unveils-new-mobilize-brand-with-tiny-ez-1-electric-two-seater/|title=Renault Debuts New Mobilize Brand With Tiny EZ-1 Electric Two Seater|date=14 January 2021|website=Carscoops}} and showed a prototype for a small Twizy-style{{Cite web|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-launches-mobilize-mobility-brand-twizy-style-ez-1|title=Renault launches Mobilize mobility brand with Twizy-style EZ-1|website=Autocar}} EV called the EZ-1.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/renault-mobilize-ez-1-prototype-shared-ev-recycled-charging-battery-2021-1|title=This mini EV has recyclable materials, glass doors, and swappable batteries to avoid charge times — see more|first=Kristen|last=Lee|website=Business Insider}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/354045/renault-reveals-new-mobilize-car-sharing-mobility-brand-new-concept-pictures|title=Renault reveals new Mobilize car-sharing mobility brand with new concept - pictures|website=Auto Express}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/354047/hippo-bento-duo-and-limo-renault-mobilize-model-name-trademarks-revealed|title=Hippo, Bento, Duo and Limo - Renault Mobilize model name trademarks revealed|website=Auto Express}} Renault Group also invested into a start-up company Verkor, that should develop EV batteries and about in 2026 build a gigafactory in France.{{Cite web|last=Emilio|first=Maurizio Di Paolo|date=2021-07-01|title=Renault's Plans for the Future of Electric Vehicles|url=https://www.eetimes.eu/renaults-plans-for-the-future-of-electric-vehicles/|access-date=2021-12-29|website=EE Times Europe|language=en-US}}

By 2025, the yearly output of 400,000 electric vehicles is planned.

In 2007 Renault introduced a new line of eco-friendly derivatives marked eco² that were based on production platforms. A minimum of 5% recycled plastic was used and the vehicle's materials were 95% reusable. Eco²'s CO² emissions were not to exceed 140g/km, or would be biofuel compatible.[http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/Renault/article-114923.html "Renault launches its 'Renault eco²' line of vehicles"]. Easier.com. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 15 May 2008. At the 2008 Fleet World Honours, Renault received the Environment Award. The chairman of Judges, George Emmerson, commented, "This was the most hotly contested category in the history of the Fleet World Honours, such is the clamour for organizations' green credentials to be recognised. There were some very impressive entries, but the panel felt that Renault's impressive range of low-emission vehicles was the most tangible, and the most quantifiable.[http://www.easier.com/view/Vans/Renault_News/article-178996.html "Renault scoops environment award in 2008 Fleet World Honours"]. Easier.com. 14 May 2008. Retrieved 15 May 2008.

Renault plans to introduce autonomous vehicle technology by 2020. The company unveiled a prototype, the Next Two (based on the Zoe), in February 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/85635/renault-unveils-next-two-autonomous-prototype |title=Renault unveils NEXT TWO autonomous prototype | last = Mortimore | first = James |work=Auto Express |date=7 February 2014 |access-date=1 August 2014}}

During its early years, Renault only manufactured the cars' chassis, while the bodywork was completed by coachbuilders. The first car with Renault's bodywork was the "Taxi de la Marne" introduced in 1905. Most Renault-made bodyworks were simple and utilitarian until the Reinastella unveiling in 1928. In the 1930s, Renault developed streamlined cars such as the Viva Grand Sport. In the 1950s, the company worked with Ghia designers.{{cite book |last=Woodham |first=Jonathan M. |title=A Dictionary of Modern Design |chapter=Renault |isbn=0-19-280097-3 |publisher=Oxford University Press |date=2004 |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmode00wood }}

In 1961, with the assistance of the independent designer Philippe Charbonneaux (responsible for the R8), the company created Renault Styling as a design department, led by Gaston Juchet since 1963.{{cite book |last1=Beaume |first1=Romain |last2=Midler |first2=Christophe |last3=Vervaeke |first3=Monique |editor-first=Giuseppe |editor-last=Calabrese |title=La filiera dello stile e le politiche industriali per l'automotive in Piemonte e in Europa |trans-title=The styling and the industrial policy for the automotive industry in Piedmont and Europe |year=2010 |publisher=FrancoAngeli |language=it |chapter=Le attività dello stile dell'auto in Francia |isbn=978-88-568-2275-5 |pages=141–143}} In 1975, Robert Opron was named chief designer and Renault Styling was divided into Interior, Exterior and Advanced Design groups.{{cite web|url=http://features.conceptcar.co.uk/renault-design-story/|title=The story of Renault automotive design|publisher=Conceptcar.co.uk|access-date=13 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518122731/http://features.conceptcar.co.uk/renault-design-story/|archive-date=18 May 2013|url-status=live}}

In the 1960s, an in-house computer-aided design (CAD) computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system called UNISURF was introduced, led by Pierre Bézier (who popularised Bézier curves and worked at Renault from 1933 until 1975).

In 1987, Renault named Patrick le Quément as chief designer{{cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/automobile/2009/04/10/03001-20090410ARTFIG00658-patrick-le-quement-quitte-renault-en-septembre-.php |title=Patrick le Quément quitte Renault en septembre |language=fr |trans-title=Patrick le Quément will leave Renault in September |work=Le Figaro |date=10 April 2009 |access-date=12 February 2013}} and created the Industrial Design Department to replace Renault Styling. The new division incorporated a new management system, with more technology and personnel. Renault gave it the same importance as Engineering and Product Planning, participating in product development.

Le Quément was responsible for bold designs such as the Mégane II and the Vel Satis,{{cite web |url=http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2012/08/12/when-drawing-is-thinking-by-patrick-le-quement-renault-design-creator/ |title=When Drawing is Thinking by Patrick Le Quément, Renault Design creator |last=Bry |first=Nicolas |website=Innovationeexcellence.com |date=12 August 2012 |access-date=4 February 2013 |archive-date=6 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906022804/http://www.innovationexcellence.com/blog/2012/08/12/when-drawing-is-thinking-by-patrick-le-quement-renault-design-creator/ |url-status=dead }} giving Renault a more coherent and stylish image.{{cite book |last1=Lewin |first1=Tony |last2=Borroff |first2=Ryan |title=How to design cars like a pro |year=2010 |publisher=Motorbooks |pages=55–56 |isbn=978-1-61060-989-0}} In 1995, Design and Quality were merged under le Quément's direction. Later, the new department moved to Guyancourt's Technocentre, which also became the base for Engineering and Product Planning. The group was organised in three sections: Automobile Design; Truck, LCV and Bus Design; and Concept Cars and Advanced Design. During the next years, satellite centres opened in Spain (1999), Paris (2000), South Korea (2003), Romania (2007), India (2007), Brazil (2008){{cite web |url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/14524 |title=Renault Design America Latina | last = Ozler | first = Levent |publisher=Dexigner |date=22 April 2008 |access-date=4 October 2012}} and China (2019).{{cite web |url=https://www.cardesignnews.com/renault-opens-new-shanghai-design-centre/38086.article |title=Renault opens new Shanghai design centre | last = Gooderham | first = Michael |work=Car Design News |date=18 April 2019 |access-date=19 July 2019}}

At the end of 2009, le Quément was replaced by Laurens van den Acker, who introduced the "cycle of life" concept to Renault's design.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/innovation/l-univers-du-design/pages/strategie-design-renault.aspx |title=Renault's design strategy |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409034150/http://www.renault.com/en/innovation/l-univers-du-design/pages/strategie-design-renault.aspx |archive-date=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}

Renault [[twin-turbo engine|thumb]]

Most of Renault engineering was decentralised until 1998, when the Technocentre became the main Renault's engineering facility.{{cite web |url=http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analysis/renaults-technocentre |title=Renault's Technocentre | last = Winter | first = Drew |work=wardsauto.com |publisher=Wards |date=1 July 2001 |access-date=1 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724102913/http://wardsauto.com/news-amp-analysis/renaults-technocentre |archive-date=24 July 2014 |url-status=dead}} Satellite centres exist, including Renault Technologies Americas (with branches in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico), Renault Technologies Romania (branches in Morocco, Russia, Slovenia and Turkey) and Renault Technologies Spain (branch in Portugal).{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/renault-dans-le-monde/pages/conception.aspx |title=Conception |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328143633/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/renault-dans-le-monde/pages/conception.aspx |archive-date=28 March 2013 |url-status=dead}} {{As of|2013}}, Renault's engineering section had over 6,500 employees worldwide, of which 34% were engineers and 63% technicians.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/carrieres/nos-metiers/pages/ingienerie-vehicule.aspx |title=Vehicle Engineering |publisher=Renault |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003095121/http://www.renault.com/en/carrieres/nos-metiers/pages/ingienerie-vehicule.aspx |archive-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} Engine development is in charge of a specific division, Renault Powertrains, with nearly 65 engineers.{{cite web |url=http://www.powertrain.renault.com/news/key-figures/ |title=Key Figures |publisher=Renault Powertrains |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-date=3 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130803132435/http://www.powertrain.renault.com/news/key-figures/ |url-status=dead }} Overseas engineering is increasing and research and design teams are in charge of adjusting existing vehicles to local needs and budgets.{{cite journal |last1=Laperche|first1=Blandine|last2=Lefebvre |first2= Giliane|year=2012 |title= The globalization of Research & Development in industrial corporations: Towards "reverse innovation"?|url=http://www.cairn.info/zen.php?ID_ARTICLE=JIE_010_0053 |journal=Journal of Innovation Economics & Management|publisher= De Boeck Supérieur|volume= 10|issue=2 |pages= 53–79|doi= 10.3917/jie.010.0053|access-date=29 April 2015|doi-access=free}}

{{As of|2014}}, Engineering, and Product Planning, are directed by Gaspar Gascon Abellan{{cite web |url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140625/ANE/140629934/0/SEARCH |title=Renault names new engineering chief |work=europe.autonews.com |publisher=Automotive News Europe | last = Gain | first = Bruce |date=25 June 2014 |access-date=26 June 2014}} and Philippe Klein{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/management-et-gouvernance/comite-de-direction/pages/philippe-klein.aspx |title=Philippe Klein |publisher=Renault |access-date=22 February 2013}} respectively.

File:La Ruche du technocentre vue depuis les Gogottes.JPG

The Renault Technocentre ({{IPA|fr|ʁəno tɛknɔˈsɑ̃tʁ}}) is the main research and development facility. It is located in Guyancourt. It covers {{Convert|150|ha|}}{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/guyancourt.aspx |title=Guyancourt – Technocentre – RSAS |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131127234642/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/guyancourt.aspx |archive-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead}} and integrates all departments involved in developing products and industrial processes (design, engineering and product planning) as well as supplier representatives. The Technocentre gathers more than 8,000 employees{{cite book |last1=Carré |first1=Dennis |last2=Lefebvre |first2=Gilliane |last3=Madeuf |first3=Bernardette |last4=Milelli |first4=Christian |editor1-first=Blandine |editor1-last=Laperche |editor2-first=James K. |editor2-last=Galbraith |editor3-first=Dimitri |editor3-last=Uzunidis |title=Innovation, Evolution and Economic Change: New Ideas in the Tradition of Galbraith |series=New Directions in Modern Economics Series |year=2006 |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |chapter=Global RD networks and ICT what impacts on firms? |isbn=978-1-84542-715-3 |pages=134–135}} and comprises three main sections: The Advance Precinct, The Hive and the prototype build centre. The Advance Precinct, a stepped structure surrounded by a lake, has design studios and other departments related to early design stages. The Hive is the tallest structure and includes research and engineering facilities dedicated to the development process of new vehicles. The prototype build centre is an extension of The Hive. The three main structures are accompanied by smaller technical buildings.

The Technocentre was one of the first enterprises to have real-time life-size 3D modelling systems.{{cite book |editor-first=Jonathan |editor-last=Bell |title=Concept Car Design: Driving the Dream |series=Interior and Industrial Design |year=2003 |publisher=Rotovision |isbn=978-2-88046-564-3|page=33}}

Renault Tech is a division of Renault Sport Technologies, headquartered in Les Ulis. It was established in 2008 and is in charge of modifying cars and vans for special purposes (mobility cars, driver's school cars, and business fleets).{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/heudebouville.aspx |title=HEUDEBOUVILLE – RENAULT TECH |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203072013/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/heudebouville.aspx |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/nos-autres-metiers/pages/renault-tech.aspx |title=RENAULT TECH |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227124309/http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/nos-autres-metiers/pages/renault-tech.aspx |archive-date=27 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}

{{clear}}

{{Main|Automobile Dacia}}

In 1999, Renault acquired a 51% controlling stake from the Romanian-based manufacturer Automobile Dacia, which was later increased to 99.43%.{{cite web |url= http://www.daciagroup.com/en/about-us/profile |title=Profile |date=19 May 2012 |publisher=Dacia |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094317/http://www.daciagroup.com/en/about-us/profile |archive-date=2 February 2014 |url-status=live}} As part of the Renault group, Dacia is a regional marque of entry-levels cars focused on Europe and Northern Africa which shares various models with the Renault marque.{{cite web |url= http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140110/ANE/131219865/0/SEARCH |title=Why Ghosn favors separate CEOs for Renault and Nissan |website=europe.autonews.com |last=Ciferri |first=Luca |date=10 January 2014 |access-date=24 February 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140224224139/http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140110/ANE/131219865/0/SEARCH |archive-date=24 February 2014 |url-status=live}}

{{Main|RCI Banque}}

RCI Banque is a wholly owned subsidiary that provides financial services for Renault marques worldwide and Nissan marques in Europe, Russia and South America.{{cite web |url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=5463435 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527094103/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=5463435 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2009 |title=Company Description: RCI Banque SA |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |access-date=1 October 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rcibanque.com/english/documents/en/publications/reports/Consolidated_Financial_Statements_RCI_Banque_2011-12-31.pdf |title=2011 Annual Report |access-date=1 October 2012 |publisher=RCI Banque }} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Renault Retail Group is Renault's wholly owned automobile distributor for Europe.{{cite web |url=http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=23144140 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203080208/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=23144140 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 December 2013 |title=Company Overview of Renault Retail Group |work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |access-date=9 November 2012}} In 1997, the French branches were merged to establish the subsidiary Renault France Automobiles (RFA). In 2001, it served as the basis for Renault Europe Automobiles (REA), which managed sales in Europe.{{cite web |url=http://www.renaultretailgroup.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=135&lang=fr |title=Historique |publisher=Renault Retail Group |access-date=9 November 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903035045/http://www.renaultretailgroup.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=135&lang=fr |url-status=dead }} In 2008, the company adopted its current name.{{cite news |url=http://www.largus.fr/actualite-automobile/jean-pierre-laurent-p-dg-de-renault-retail-group-129402.html |title=Jean-Pierre Laurent P-DG de Renault Retail Group | last = Genet | first = Jean-Pierre |newspaper=www.largus.fr |publisher=Largus.fr |date=6 July 2007 |language= fr |trans-title=Jean-Pierre Laurent, Renault Retail Group's CEO |access-date=9 November 2012}} Renault Retail Group operates in France, Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Batilly, subsidiary Société de Véhicules Automobiles de Batilly (SoVAB){{cite web |url=http://www.easier.com/92135-100000th-master-renaults-sovab-plant.html |title=100,000th Master rolls off Renault's SoVAB plant production line |website=easier.com |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• ElectriCity
• Cléon
• Douai
• Maubeuge, subsidiary Maubeuge Construction Automobile (MCA).{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/maubeuge.aspx |title=Maubeuge – MCA |publisher=Renault |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• Ruitz, subsidiary Société des Transmissions Automatiques (STA) owned by Renault{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/ruitz.aspx |title=Ruitz |publisher=Renault |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• Dieppe, Société des Automobiles Alpine{{cite web |url=http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=58329&nodeid=106 |title=Renault has acquired Caterham Group's stake in Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham |work=media.renault.com |publisher=Renault |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=10 June 2014 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{col-2}}

• Flins
• Auto Châssis International (ACI)
• Le Mans{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-durable/fiches-sites/pages/le-mans.aspx |title=Le Mans – ACI |publisher=Renault |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• Villeurbanne
• Meyzieu
• Sandouville{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/Lists/ArchivesDocuments/Renault%20-%20Atlas%20-%20en%20-%20september12.pdf |title=Renault Atlas September 2012 |publisher=Renault |access-date=20 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207160304/http://www.renault.com/en/Lists/ArchivesDocuments/Renault%20-%20Atlas%20-%20en%20-%20september12.pdf |archive-date=7 December 2012}}

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{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Cacia (Portugal)
• Cormecánica S.A. (Chile)
• JMEV (China), a joint venture majority owned by Renault and with JMCG as the second largest shareholder
• Oyak-Renault (Turkey), a joint venture between Renault and Oyak (Turkey's Armed Forces Pension Fund), established in 1969{{cite book |title=The Report: Turkey 2008 |year=2008 |publisher=Oxford Business Group |isbn=978-1-902339-86-3 |pages=138–139}}
• Renault Algérie (Algeria), a joint venture between SNVI (51%) and Renault (49%), established in 2012
• Renault Argentina (Argentina)
• Renault Brilliance Jinbei (China), a joint venture between Renault and Brilliance Auto, established in 2017
• Renault do Brasil (Brazil)
• Renault España (Spain)
• Renault India (India)
• Renault Industrie Belgique S.A./Renault Industrie België N.V. (Belgium)
• Renault Korea (South Korea), a Renault acquired car division of Samsung on 1 September 2000 in a $560 million deal for 70%,{{cite news|first1 = Terry | last1 = Macalister | first2 = Paul | last2 = Webster | url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/apr/26/3?INTCMP=SRCH |title= Renault gets green light for Korean takeover |work=The Guardian|location=UK |access-date=10 April 2011 |date=26 April 2000}} eventually increasing its stake to 80.1%.[http://www.renault.com/en/Lists/ArchivesDocuments/Renault%20-%20Atlas%20-%20en%20-%20march10.pdf Renault company atlas March 2010] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203232628/http://www.renault.com/en/Lists/ArchivesDocuments/Renault%20-%20Atlas%20-%20en%20-%20march10.pdf |date=3 December 2010}}. The majority of the company's (renamed as Renault Samsung Motors) production at its Busan plant is exported under the Renault badge.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/marques-du-groupe/pages/renault-samsung-motors.aspx |title=Renault Samsung Motors |publisher=Renault |access-date=25 February 2014}} In April 2024, after being renamed Renault Korea Motors and then Renault Korea, the company unified its marketing with the Renault marque and became an assembly subsidiary.{{cite web |url=https://www.econovill.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=651032 |title='르노' 빼고 다 바꾼다…르노코리아, 새로운 엠블럼에 공격적 신차 출시 나서 |trans-title=Changing everything except 'Renault'. Renault Korea to launch aggressive new car with new emblem |language=kr |work=Economic Review |last=Lee |first=So-young |date=3 April 2024 |access-date=4 April 2024}}

{{col-2}}

• Renault Med (Morocco), a subsidiary operating the Renault-Nissan Alliance factory in Tangier{{cite news |url= https://world.time.com/2012/02/09/renaults-morocco-factory-when-globalization-and-politics-collide/ |title=Renault's Morocco Factory: When Globalization and Politics Collide |last=Crumley |first=Bruce |magazine=Time |date=9 February 2012 |access-date=22 February 2013}}
• Renault México (Mexico, cars manufactured in Nissan's Aguascalientes plant since 2013){{cite web |url=http://www.carnews.com.mx/?p=4129 |title=Renault producirá un auto en Aguascalientes |language=es |trans-title=Renault will manufacture a car in Aguascalientes |website=Carnews.com.mx |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• Renault Pars (Iran), a joint venture established in 2004 and owned by Renault (51%) and Iran's Industrial Development Renovation Organisation (IDRO) (49%){{cite web |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3720682.stm |title=Renault to produce cars in Iran |work=BBC News |date=6 October 2004 |access-date=22 February 2013}}
• Renault South Africa (South Africa, cars manufactured in the Nissan's Rosslyn plant){{cite web |url= http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/renault-dans-le-monde/pages/renault-en-afrique-du-sud.aspx |title=Renault in South Africa |work=Renault |access-date=20 February 2013}}
• Revoz (Slovenia)
• Sofasa (Colombia)
• Somaca (Morocco)

{{col-end}}

{{Main|Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance}}

For many years, Renault had a 43.4% stake in Nissan, thereby giving it effective control {{em|de jure}}, and Nissan held a 15% stake (with no voting rights) in Renault.{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/l-alliance-renault-nissan/pages/fonctionnement-et-structure.aspx |title=Renault-Nissan alliance website |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=10 April 2011}} {{As of|November 2023}} Renault owns 15% shares with voting rights. It has more shares in a French trust which it can use for voting in a few limited situations.

As well as sharing engines and joint-development of zero-emissions technology, Nissan increased its presence in Europe by badging various Renault van models such as the Renault Kangoo/Nissan Kubistar, Renault Master/Nissan Interstar and the Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar. Some passenger cars have also been badge-engineered, such as the Renault Clio-based Nissan Platina in Brazil. The "Renault Production System" standard used by all Renault factories borrowed extensively from the "Nissan Production Way" and resulted in Renault productivity improving by 15%. The alliance led to the loss of 21,000 jobs, and the closure of three assembly and two powertrain plants.{{cite web |url=http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/ALLIANCE/HANDBOOK/2009/Alliance_FactsAndFigures_2009.pdf |title=cover_1 |access-date=10 April 2011 |archive-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303192147/http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/DOCUMENT/PDF/ALLIANCE/HANDBOOK/2009/Alliance_FactsAndFigures_2009.pdf |url-status=dead }}

In March 2010 the Renault-Nissan alliance opened its first joint facility in Chennai, India, investing 45 billion rupees (US$991.1 million).{{cite web|url=http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/renault-dans-le-monde/pages/renault-en-inde.aspx |title=Renault website |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=10 April 2011}} The facility builds the Nissan Micra. The Renault Fluence and Renault Koleos are intended to be assembled there from completely knocked-down units. As a result of opening its own factory, Renault ended its five-year Mahindra Renault joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra company to make and sell the Renault Logan in India.{{cite news|last=Chowdhury |first=Anirban |url= http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703779704576073130533934462.html?mod=googlenews_wsj |title=Renault Plans to Use Nissan Micra Platform for India Small Car |date=10 January 2011 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=12 July 2022}}

On 7 April 2010 Ghosn and Daimler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche announced a partnership between the three companies.{{cite news|url= http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303591204575169883829785858.html|title=Daimler, Nissan, Renault Set Small-Car Cooperation |date=7 April 2010 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=7 April 2010| first=Sebastian |last=Moffett}} Daimler acquired a 3.10 per cent stake in Renault-Nissan and Renault and Nissan each took a 1.55 per cent stake in Daimler.{{cite news|url= http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article7089984.ece|title=Daimler confirms Renault-Nissan joint venture|date=7 April 2010 |newspaper=The Times |location=UK |access-date=9 January 2011 |first=Lea |last=Robert |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809075153/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/engineering/article7089984.ece|archive-date=August 9, 2011}}

{{Main|Horse Powertrain|Renault Korea}}

In January 2022, Renault and Chinese manufacturer Geely signed an agreement by which Renault's South Korean subsidiary, Renault Korea Motors, would produce vehicles based on Geely Compact Modular Architecture platform,{{cite web |title=Renault Samsung to produce green cars developed by Renault Group and Geely |url=http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=86712 |access-date=15 January 2022 |work=businesskorea.co.kr}}{{cite web |title=Renault will use Geely's CMA platform for (some of) its future cars |url=https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/renault-will-use-geely-s-cma-platform-for-some-of-its-future-cars/ |access-date=15 January 2022 |work=TopSpeed.com}} initially intended for the domestic market. In December 2022, Geely acquired a 34% stake of Renault Korea through capital increase as part of their partnership, although the company would continue to be majority owned by Renault and a consolidated subsidiary of it.{{cite web |last=Kwon |first=Jeong-doo |date=15 December 2022 |title=르노코리아, 중국 지리와 친환경차 생산 준비 중…5월에도 부산공장 멈춘다 |trans-title=When will Renault Korea and Samsung's 'real farewell' happen? |url=http://www.sisaweek.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=201424 |access-date=17 May 2023 |work=Sisa Weeek |language=Korean}}{{cite web |last=Leggett |first=David |date=10 May 2022 |title=Geely to acquire 34% of Renault Korea Motors |url=https://www.just-auto.com/dashboard/deals/geely-to-acquire-34-of-renault-korea-motors/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Just-auto.com |archive-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510153909/https://www.just-auto.com/dashboard/deals/geely-to-acquire-34-of-renault-korea-motors/ |url-status=dead }}

In May 2024, Renault and Geely established a joint venture holding aimed at producing powertrains, including internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid systems.{{Cite web |date=31 May 2024 |title=Renault, Geely create joint venture for hybrid, combustion engines |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/renault-geely-create-joint-venture-hybrid-combustion-engines-2024-05-31 |accessdate=31 May 2024 |website=Reuters}} The venture dates back to an agreement between the two companies in November 2022.{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Renault-Geely to include eight Chinese powertrain plants, report says |url=https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/renault-geely-supply-combustion-engines-horse-jv |work=Automotive News Europe}} Both Geely and Renault were set to transfer their intellectual property for ICEs and hybrid systems to the venture holding, and plans to supply engines to Dacia (part of Renault Group), Volvo, Lynk & Co, Proton (part of Geely){{Cite web |date=9 November 2022 |title=Renault has big plans for Dacia: more models and higher production |url=https://www.romania-insider.com/renault-big-plans-dacia-models-production |website=Romania Insider}} as well as Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors from the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.{{Cite web |title=Renault launches Ampere electric car business unit and Geely ICE joint-venture |url=https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/359152/renault-launches-ampere-electric-car-business-unit-and-geely-ice-joint-venture |website=Auto Express}}

In 1979, Renault entered into an agreement with American Motors Corporation (AMC) to sell cars in the US.{{cite web |url= http://www.amxfiles.com/amc/part5.html |archive-url= https://archive.today/20050704083908/http://www.amxfiles.com/amc/part5.html |url-status= dead |archive-date= 4 July 2005 |title= Endgame: Renault and Jeep |publisher= AMX-files |access-date= 31 August 2012}} A year later, Renault acquired a 22.5% interest in AMC.{{cite magazine|url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,947525,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091026235427/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,947525,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 October 2009| title=French Accent|magazine=Time|date=22 October 1979|access-date=29 July 2010}} This was not the first time the two companies had worked together. In the early 1960s, Renault assembled CKD kits and marketed Ramblers in France.{{cite web |url=http://blog.doctissimo.fr/phedor/cimetiere-oubliees-rambler-2264660.html |title=Le Cimetiere Des Autos Oubloees: Renault Rambler (1962–67) |publisher=The graveyard of forgotten cars |language=fr |date=4 April 2007 |access-date=31 August 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150222211612/http://blog.doctissimo.fr/phedor/cimetiere-oubliees-rambler-2264660.html |archive-date=22 February 2015 |url-status=dead}} In 1982, Renault increased its stake in AMC to 46.4%.{{cite news|title=Renault Buys A.M.C. Stock|url= https://www.nytimes.com/1982/02/10/business/renault-buys-amc-stock.html |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=22 February 2015|date=10 February 1982}} The Renault Alliance/Encore (a modified version of the Renault 9 and 11) entered production in the US, but following AMC's continued decline, Renault withdrew from the US in 1987 and sold its share to Chrysler.{{cite news|title=AMC Dealers Happy With Chrysler Deal|url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-03-11-fi-9855-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |first=Jube Jr. |last=Shiver |date=11 March 1987 |access-date=12 July 2022}}

On 30 June 2006, the media reported that General Motors convened an emergency board meeting to discuss a proposal by shareholder Kirk Kerkorian to form an alliance with Renault-Nissan. However, GM CEO Richard Wagoner felt that an alliance would disproportionately benefit Renault's shareholders and that GM should receive compensation accordingly. Talks between GM and Renault ended on 4 October 2006.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB115927472085074207|title=In Alliance Talks, GM to Seek Billions From Renault, Nissan |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=27 September 2006|access-date=29 April 2015|first1=Monica|last1=Langley|first2=Joseph B.|last2=White}}

In 2007, Renault-Nissan entered talks with Indian manufacturer Bajaj Auto to develop a new ultra-low-cost car along the lines of the Tata Nano.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBOM1678920071029 |title=Reuters 29 October 2007 |work=Reuters |access-date=10 April 2011 |first=Rina |last=Chandran |date=29 October 2007}} Renault's existing partner in India, Mahindra, was not interested in the project. The proposed joint venture did not come to fruition and in late 2009 the companies announced that Bajaj would develop and manufacturer the vehicle and supply Renault-Nissan with completed cars.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070954040300.htm |title=The Hindu 8 July 2009 |work=Business Line |date=9 July 2010 |access-date=10 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916083716/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/07/09/stories/2010070954040300.htm |archive-date=16 September 2010}}

On 7 October 2008 a Renault executive said the company was interested in acquiring or partnering with Chrysler.{{cite news|last=Pearson |first=David |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122305763163202875.html?mod=rss_Autos |title=Renault Itching for a Return to the U.S. |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=12 April 2009}} On 11 October 2008, the New York Times reported that General Motors, Nissan and Renault had all been in discussions over the past month with Chrysler's owner Cerberus Capital Management about acquiring Chrysler.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/11/business/11auto.html| work=The New York Times | title=G.M. and Chrysler Explore Merger | first1=Bill | last1=Vlasic | date=11 October 2008 | access-date=10 April 2010}}

In May 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles proposed merging its business with Renault.{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/27/fiat-chrysler-proposes-50-50-merger-with-renault/|title=Fiat Chrysler proposes 50-50 merger with Renault|website=TechCrunch|date=27 May 2019|language=en-US|access-date=27 May 2019|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210170425/https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/27/fiat-chrysler-proposes-50-50-merger-with-renault/|url-status=live}} The proposal was later withdrawn.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ba034774-87e1-11e9-97ea-05ac2431f453 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221210/https://www.ft.com/content/ba034774-87e1-11e9-97ea-05ac2431f453 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Fiat Chrysler withdraws €33bn Renault merger offer|work=Financial Times |last1=Keohane |first1=David |last2=Lewis |first2=Leo |last3=Fontanella-Khan |first3=James |date=5 June 2019 |access-date=6 June 2019}}

Renault models have won the European Car of the Year award eight times :

• 1966: Renault 16{{cite web|url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1966_1/coty|title=Renault 16 Car of the year website 1966|website=Caroftheyear.org|access-date=8 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221160352/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1966_1/coty|archive-date=21 February 2015}}
• 1982: Renault 9{{cite web|url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1982_1/coty|title=Renault 9 Car of the year website 1982|website=Caroftheyear.org|access-date=8 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221160455/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1982_1/coty|archive-date=21 February 2015}}
• 1991: Renault Clio{{cite web|url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1991_1/coty|title=Renault Clio Car of the year website 1991|publisher=Caroftheyear.org|access-date=8 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402184209/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/1991_1/coty|archive-date=2 April 2015}}
• 1997: Renault Scénic{{cite web|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/motoring/reviews/4742025.Renault_Scenic_Dynamique/|title=A panel of judges voted it European Car of the Year in 1997, since then the Scenic has remained Europe's most popular people MPV, despite plenty of competition from other companies|website=The northern echo.co.uk|date=16 November 2009|access-date=5 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511111802/http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/motoring/reviews/4742025.Renault_Scenic_Dynamique/|archive-date=11 May 2011}}
• 2003: Renault Mégane II{{cite web|url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/2003_1/coty|title=Renault Mégane Car of the year website 2003|website=Caroftheyear.org|access-date=8 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101120258/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/2003_1/coty|archive-date=1 January 2012}}
• 2006: Renault Clio III{{cite web|url=http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/2006_1/coty|title=Renault Clio Car of the year2006|website=Caroftheyear.org|access-date=8 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305094956/http://www.caroftheyear.org/previous-winners/2006_1/coty|archive-date=5 March 2015}}
• 2024: Renault Scenic E-Tech{{cite web|title=Renault Scenic E-Tech wins Car of the Year 2024|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/renault-scenic-e-tech-wins-car-year-2024|date=26 February 2024|author= Mark Tisshaw and Charlie Martin|work=Autocar}}
• 2025: Renault 5 E-Tech{{cite web|title=Renault 5 E-Tech electric : Car of the Year 2025|url=https://media.renault.com/renault-5-e-tech-electric-car-of-the-year-2025/|date=10 January 2025 |publisher=Renault}}

Renault cars have won numerous national-level awards in Spain, Australia, Ireland, the United States,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1211_car_of_the_year_winners/photo_33.html|title=Car of the Year Winners, 1983 AMC Renault Alliance|magazine=Motor Trend|date=9 November 2012|access-date=9 October 2014|archive-date=27 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227180204/http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/1211_car_of_the_year_winners/photo_33.html|url-status=dead}} Denmark, and elsewhere. Renault and its Dacia subsidiary have won three "Autobest" car of the year awards for the Duster, Logan, and Symbol models.{{cite web|title=Awards|url=http://www.autobest.org/?cat=5|website=autobest.org|publisher=Autobest|access-date=13 June 2015}} {{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Culture, in the 2016 edition of the Corporate Art Awards Renault received by pptArt the award for its Art Collection that inspired the creativity of its car designers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pptart.net/winners|title=Corporate Art Awards - Winners|website=pptart}}

Renault markets its products under the marques Renault, Dacia and Alpine.{{cite web |url=https://group.renault.com/en/our-company/our-brands/ |title=Our brands |publisher=Renault |access-date=16 June 2017}} Renault founded in 2021 the Mobilize brand, which started in 2024 with the marketing of electric mobility services and vehicles.

Renault's first badge was introduced in 1900 and consisted of the Renault brothers' intertwined initials. When the company started mass production in 1906, it adopted a gear-shaped logo with a car inside it. After World War I the company used a logo depicting an FT tank. In 1923 it introduced a new circle-shaped badge, which was replaced by the "diamond" or lozenge in 1925. The lozenge of Renault means a diamond that expresses the brand's firm desire to project a strong and consistent corporate image.{{cite web |url=http://www.excelenciasdelmotor.com/noticia/el-logotipo-de-renault |title=El logotipo de Renault |trans-title=Renault's logo |language=es |publisher=Excelenciasdelmotor.com |access-date=24 March 2013 |archive-date=5 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305163010/http://www.excelenciasdelmotor.com/noticia/el-logotipo-de-renault |url-status=dead }}

The Renault diamond logo has been through many iterations.{{cite web |url=http://www.dinesh.com/history_of_logos/car_logos_-_design_and_history/renault_logo_-_design_and_history.html |title=Dinesh.com |publisher=Dinesh.com |date=25 August 2010 |access-date=7 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001102528/http://www.dinesh.com/history_of_logos/car_logos_-_design_and_history/renault_logo_-_design_and_history.html |archive-date=1 October 2011}} To modernise its image, Renault asked Victor Vasarely to design its new logo in 1972. The transformed logo maintained the diamond shape. The design was later revised to reflect the more rounded lines of the brand's new styling cues.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/PassionSport/la-collection-d-art-renault/Pages/les-artistes-victor-vasarely.aspx |title=Victor Vasarely |publisher=Renault.com |access-date=7 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915021605/http://www.renault.com/en/passionsport/la-collection-d-art-renault/pages/les-artistes-victor-vasarely.aspx |archive-date=15 September 2011}} The current badge has been in use since 1992.

The logo for web and print use was updated three times thereafter. In 2002 a more realistic representation inside a yellow rectangle was made which is still used as the Renault Trucks logo albeit in red. In 2004 the logo received the Renault Identité typeface. In 2007, Saguez & Partners produced a version with the wordmark and logo inside a square.{{cite web |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/737359/Renault-opts-stronger-image-brand-revamp/ |title=Renault opts for stronger image in brand revamp | last = Sandison | first = Nikki |work=Brand Republic |date=12 September 2007 |access-date=23 March 2013}}

In April 2015, Renault introduced new designs to differentiate the company from the product brand, as part of the 'Passion for life' campaign. The new brand logo replaced the yellow background with a yellow stripe. A new typeface was also introduced. A corporate logo was unveiled at the 2015 Annual General Meeting, incorporating Renault, Dacia and Renault Samsung Motors.{{cite web |url=http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renault/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=68141&nodeid=-1 |title=Renault's new brand signature : "Renault - Passion for life" |publisher=Renault |date=23 April 2015 |access-date=30 April 2015 |archive-date=19 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519184435/http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renault/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=68141&nodeid=-1 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/new_logo_and_identity_for_renault_done_in-house.php|title=New Logo and Identity for Renault done In-house|publisher=Brand New}}

January 2021 saw the introduction of a new flat diamond logo alongside the Renault 5 Prototype electric concept car. The logo received so much positive feedback that Renault officially introduced the new symbol as their logo in March 2021, according to Renault's design director Gilles Vidal, who joined the group in 2020. They plan to introduce the new diamond on many online platforms in June 2021 and the first model with the new logo featured will be revealed in 2022.{{cite web |url=https://group.renault.com/en/news-on-air/top-stories-2/a-renaulution-for-the-diamond/ |title= New Renault logo: a Renaulution for the diamond |publisher=Renault |date=11 March 2021 |access-date=12 March 2021}}

The yellow associated with the company appeared initially in the diamond badge of 1946, when Renault was nationalised.

File:Renault Logo 1923.svg|Logo of Renault from 1923 to 1925

File:Renault Logo 1925.svg|Logo of Renault from 1925 to 1946

File:Renault Logo 1946.png|Logo of Renault from 1946 to 1959

File:Renault-Logo-1959.svg|Logo of Renault from 1959 to 1971

File:Renault 1967.png|Logo of Renault from 1971 to 1972 (This logo was not used because it is considered as a copy of the logo of the company Kent){{Cite web |title=L'histoire du Losange Interdit de Renault |url=https://newsdanciennes.com/lhistoire-du-losange-interdit-de-renault/ |website=News d'Anciennes |date=24 February 2019 |language=fr}}{{Cite web |title=Renault : du logo interdit à la légende Vasarely |url=https://www.carjager.com/blog/article/renault-du-logo-interdit-a-la-legende-vasarely.html |website=CarJager |language=fr}}

File:Renault Logo 1972.svg|Logo of Renault from 1972 to 1981 (Vasarely Logo)

File:Logo Renault 1981-1992.png|Logo of Renault from 1981 to 1992

File:Renault 1990.svg|Logo of Renault from 1992 to 2004

File:Renault logo.svg|alt=Créateur d'Automobiles|Logo of Renault from 2004 to 2007

File:Renault 2009 logo.svg|alt=Drive the Change|Logo of Renault from 2007 to 2015

File:Renault.jpg|alt=Passion for Life|Logo of Renault from 2015 to 2021 (still used as a badge)

File:Renault 2021 Text.svg|alt=Renault logo with text|Logo of Renault since 2021

File:Groupe renault smal.svg|alt=Groupe Renault Logo|Groupe Renault logo up to 2021 (as distinct from the Renault diamond used for the brand)

File:2021 Renault Group logo.svg|Renault Group logo from 2021 onwards

Both the Renault logo and its documentation (technical as well as commercial) historically used Renault MN, a custom typeface developed by British firm Wolff Olins. This type of family is said to have been designed mainly to save costs at a time where the use of typefaces was costly.

A retail version of the font family was sold by URW++ as Renault.{{Cite web |url=https://www.urwpp.de/en/shop/?fontshop=datei:show_font_details;fontnummer:r001014t; |title=Renault manufactured by URW++ |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-date=18 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818164811/https://www.urwpp.de/en/shop/?fontshop=datei:show_font_details;fontnummer:r001014t; |url-status=dead }}

In 2004, French typeface designer Jean-François Porchez was commissioned to design a replacement. This was shown in October of that year and was called Renault Identité.{{cite web |url= http://www.microsoft.com/typography/links/news.aspx?NID=4387 |title=Renault type |date=27 October 2004 |website=microsoft.com |access-date=7 April 2013}} The OpenType font family was developed from the Renault logotype created by Éric de Berranger.{{Cite web|url= http://www.zecraft.com/fonts/renault/|title=Renault Identité|website=ZeCraft}}{{Cite web|url= https://deberranger.fr/logotype-renault |title=Éric de Berranger, graphiste typographe - Logotype Renault |website=deberranger.fr}}

Since 2007, as part of the Saguez & Partners revamp, all graphic advertising makes use of Helvetica Neue Condensed.{{cite web |url=http://www.admirabledesign.com/Renault-une-nouvelle-identite |title=Renault et son identité visuelle ... |trans-title=Renault and its visual identity ... |date=17 September 2007 |publisher=Admirabledesign.com |access-date=7 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302105448/http://www.admirabledesign.com/Renault-une-nouvelle-identite |archive-date=2 March 2013}}

File:L'Atelier Renault.jpg

The Renault Life font family was built by Fontsmith Limited, based on the foundry's FS Hackney font family.{{cite web|url= https://www.fontsmith.com/blog/2015/06/15/emotive-automotive |title=Emotive Automotive |website=fontsmith.com|date=9 September 2020 }}

The family consists of six fonts in three weights (Life, Regular, and Bold) and one width, with complimentary italic.

Renault's flagship showroom, L'Atelier Renault ({{IPA|fr|latəlje ʁəno}}), is located on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, with other manufacturers such as Peugeot, Citroën and Toyota. It opened in November 2000, located on the site of Pub Renault, which operated from 1963 until 1999. The first Renault venue at the location was the Magasin Renault in 1910, a pioneering car showroom.{{Citation |title=Monuments historiques |journal=M.h. Monuments Historiques |year=1990 |publisher=Caisse nationale des monuments historiques et des sites |issn=0153-3673}}{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Communiqu%C3%A9%20de%20presse/en-EN/Pieces%20jointes/23415_CP_100ans_EN_Annexes_F6CE9D35.pdf |title=Background |publisher=Renault |access-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110151908/http://www.renault.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Communiqu%C3%A9%20de%20presse/en-EN/Pieces%20jointes/23415_CP_100ans_EN_Annexes_F6CE9D35.pdf |archive-date=10 November 2013}}

L'Atelier features a Renault Boutique as well as regular exhibitions featuring Renault and Dacia cars. An upmarket restaurant is located on the second floor, looking out onto the Champs-Élysées. The ground floor can hold up to five exhibitions at any one time. As of March 2009, 20 million visitors had visited L'Atelier Renault.{{cite web |url=http://www.renault.com/en/passionsport/l-atelier-renault/pages/l-atelier-renault-.aspx |title=L'Atelier Renault |publisher=Renault |access-date=7 April 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/finding-car-heaven-paris/ |title=Finding Car Heaven at Paris Concept Car Showrooms | last = Ball | first = Norman |date=20 October 2011 |publisher=Bonjourparis.com |access-date=7 April 2013}}{{cite book |title=Petit Futé Paris. Thématique guide |edition=28 |year=2009 |publisher=Petit Futé |language=fr |isbn=978-2-7469-2442-0 |page= [https://archive.org/details/pariscityguidepl0000unse/page/442 442] |url=https://archive.org/details/pariscityguidepl0000unse/page/442 }}

{{main|Renault Classic}}

Renault Classic is a department within Renault that seeks to collect, preserve and exhibit notable vehicles from the company's history. Originally named Histoire & Collection, the collection was assembled in 2002 and its workshops formally opened on 24 April 2003.{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Roy P.|title=Alpine and Renault: The Development of the Revolutionary Turbo F1 Car 1968–1979|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=646PVGF2Bd8C|access-date=27 May 2014 |date=1 October 2008 |publisher=Veloce Publishing Ltd|isbn=978-1-84584-177-5|pages=231–232}}

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Renault's European advertising made extensive use of Robert Palmer's song "Johnny and Mary".{{cite book |last1=Howells |first1=Richard |last2=Negreiros |first2=Joaquim |title=Visual Culture |year=2012 |edition=2nd |publisher=Polity Press |isbn=978-0-7456-5070-8 |pages=127–129 |chapter=Semiotics}} Television advertisements initially used Palmer's original version, while a range of special recordings in different styles were produced during the 1990s, most famously the acoustic interpretation by Martin Taylor that he released on his album Spirit of Django.

Renault has sponsored films as an advertising technique since 1899. A Renault Voiturette Type A, driven by Louis Renault, appeared in one of the Lumières' early films.{{cite web |url=http://www.repubblica.it/motori/auto/sezioni/attualita/2012/11/19/news/motori_renault_e_il_grande_schermo-46999034/ |title=Renault e il grande schermo. Zoe nel film di Lellouche |trans-title=Renault and the big screen. Zoe in the Lellouche film |language=it |work=La Repubblica |publisher=Gruppo Editoriale L'Espresso |date=19 November 2012 |access-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102001606/http://www.repubblica.it/motori/auto/sezioni/attualita/2012/11/19/news/motori_renault_e_il_grande_schermo-46999034/ |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |last=Reynolds |first=Glenn |title=Colonial Cinema in Africa: Origins, Images, Audiences |chapter=Strange Savages Paid Primitives Negotiating Natives |publisher=McFarland |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-7864-7985-6 |page=56}} Between 1914 and 1940, the company commissioned a series of documentary films to promote its industrial activities.{{cite book |last=Michel |first=Alain P. |editor1-last=Hediger |editor1-first=Vinzenz |editor2-last=Vonderau |editor2-first=Patrick |title=Films that Work |url=https://archive.org/details/filmsthatworkind00hedi |url-access=limited |chapter=Corporate Films of Industrial Work: Renault (1916–1939) |publisher=Amsterdam University Press |year=2009 |series=Film Culture in Transition |isbn=978-90-8964-012-3 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/filmsthatworkind00hedi/page/n167 167]–186}} Renault also backed some films set in Africa during the 1920s to promote the reliability of its products on tough conditions. Since 1983, the company sponsors the Cannes Film Festival{{cite web |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes-francaises/2008/05/15/04010-20080515ARTFIG00691-renault-transporte-sean-penn.php |title=Renault transporte Sean Penn |trans-title=Renault carries Sean Penn |language=fr |work=Le Figaro |last=Créquy |first=Perrine |date=16 May 2008 |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302175153/http://www.lefigaro.fr/societes-francaises/2008/05/15/04010-20080515ARTFIG00691-renault-transporte-sean-penn.php |archive-date=2 March 2015 |url-status=live}} and it has also sponsored other festivals as the Venice Film Festival, the Marrakech Film Festival{{cite web |url=http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=60541 |title=Renault is the new main sponsor of the 71st Venice international film festival! |publisher=Renault |date=24 July 2014 |access-date=2 March 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045929/http://media.renault.com/global/en-gb/renaultgroup/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=60541 |url-status=dead }} and the BFI London Film Festival.{{cite web |url=https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=EB042E24-591E-435B-95D2-C382674865C7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215201517/https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp?doWork::WScontent::loadArticle=Load&BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::article_id=EB042E24-591E-435B-95D2-C382674865C7 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 February 2013 |title=Renault |work=2012 BFI Film Festival |publisher=British Film Institute |access-date=2 March 2015}}

Through its foundations and institutes, Renault funds projects around the world that focus on: education through scholarships,{{cite web|url=http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/renault-will-fund-electro-mobility-classes-in-france/|title=Got scholarship? Renault will fund electro-mobility classes in France|publisher=autoblog.com|date=10 May 2012|access-date=29 April 2015}} road safety{{cite web|url= http://www.carpages.co.uk/renault/renault_sponsors_national_road_safety_week_06_11_04.asp|title=Renault Sponsors UK's National Road Safety Week |website=carpages.co.uk |date= 6 November 2004|access-date=29 April 2015}} and diversity.

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{{reflist}}

• {{cite magazine|last=Cocks|first=Brian|title=A Question of Capacity |magazine=Air Enthusiast |date=March–May 1992|issue=45 |pages=58–59 |issn=0143-5450}}
• {{cite book |last=Cuq |first=Benjamin |author-link=Benjamin Cuq |title=Le livre noir de Renault |date=October 2013 |location=Paris |publisher=First Éditions |language=fr |trans-title=The Renault's Black Book |isbn=978-2-7540-5229-0}}

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