Renault is experiencing a strong start to 2026, demonstrating significant gains compared to last year’s performance. Sales figures for the first two months of the year confirm this positive trend, setting the stage for a potentially landmark year for the French automaker as it continues to revitalize its product lineup with electrified models and the revival of iconic vehicles.
Strong Start to 2026
According to data from UNRAE, Renault concluded the first two months of 2026 with robust results in Italy. Between January and February, registrations totaled 14,319 units, a 19.54% increase compared to the same period last year – outpacing the overall market growth of 10.2% – and securing a market share of 4.79%. This substantial improvement reflects the successful efforts of the brand in recent years, driven by a series of new product introductions.
The Renault Clio, recently updated, is leading the French brand’s performance in the Italian market. The B-segment vehicle achieved 5,747 units registered in the first two months of the year, becoming the best-selling car in its segment with a nearly 43% increase compared to the previous year.
The Clio recently debuted its sixth generation, a model detailed in a dedicated report. Renault has also recently launched other notable models, such as the Renault 5, and aims to capture the compact car market with an ambitious project like the New Twingo, which is poised to become a key player in Italy.
Positive Start in Europe Too
Renault also reported a positive start to 2026 across the European market. Considering Renault’s results for January 2026, confirmed by ACEA data (February figures will be available in the coming weeks), provides insight into the brand’s growth. The automotive market is closely watching these figures as indicators of consumer confidence and the shift towards electric vehicles.
In a market that declined by 3.9% (across the entire EU), the French brand grew by 3.9%, with over 45,000 units registered and a market share of 5.7%. Considering the broader European market (EU, EFTA countries, and the United Kingdom), which saw a 3.6% decline in January, the brand achieved 4.4% growth, with a total of 50,605 units sold.
Looking at individual European markets (with data updated to February, rather than January as previously cited for Europe), Renault saw stable sales (-0.8%) in France, its home market, with nearly 42,000 units registered over the two months, as highlighted by CCFA data. Notably, there was substantial growth in the United Kingdom, where the brand grew by 12% year-on-year with over 8,000 units registered, according to SMMT data.
