IN 2013, Renault Middle East posted a significant sales increase of 19 percent in a GCC market up by 8 percent year-on-year, pursuing its growth strategy. In Saudi Arabia and Oman, Renault confirmed its position as the number one European brand in 2013. Renault recorded impressive growth in the United Arab Emirates. Compared to 2012, Renault's sales boomed by 36 percent in the UAE, which is a highly impressive achievement when the country recorded a 15 percent market growth. More specifically, Abu Dhabi's sales grew by 32 percent, and Dubai and Northern Emirates' sales grew by 53 percent with more than 2,650 units. In Saudi Arabia, over the 12 months, Renault remained, just as it did in 2012, the top European brand. Renault Fluence and Renault Duster were the two best-selling European models. Compared to 2012, Renault's sales recorded +17 percent growth on a +5 percent market. In Iraq, Renault's sales jumped by 37 percent compared to 2012. Peyman KARGAR Managing Director, Renault Middle East, said: “With 19 percent growth in the GCC in 2013, we are reaping the benefits of our sustained strategy to expand the Renault brand in the Middle East Region. The remarkable growth since the beginning of this year is the result of a range of high-quality Renault models and competitive pricing. 2013 saw the success of the Renault Duster, our worldwide bestseller! 2014 promises to be full of opportunities for growth with new products and market expansion.” Renault Duster, the worldwide success story is confirmed in the Middle East. Over the first 11 months of 2013, the Duster's sales increased by more than 200 percent in the GCC. Within the GCC and particularly in the UAE and Oman, the Renault Duster entered the Top 5 in the SUV-S segment. In addition, the successful Renault Duster became the first European bestseller. In the GCC, Renault Fluence sales posted a 15 percent increase at the end of November 2013 compared with the same period in 2012. The Renault Megane III Hatch's performance at the end of November 2013 was +45 percent compared to the same period in 2012 in a +22 percent C segment. In 2013, Renault Middle East sales reached 55,517 units. — SG
