Renault Group defies sector trend with strong first-half 2026 results

While several carmakers have been revising their forecasts downwards and coming under margin pressure, the Renault Group has published results that run counter to the wider industry trend.

First-half 2026 figures for Renault Group

In the first half of 2026, revenue rose by 9.5% to €30.3 billion, even though sales volumes were virtually flat (-0.4%), with 1.165 million vehicles sold.

Automotive division performance

The automotive division generated €26.8 billion in revenue, up 9.3% compared with the first half of 2025. Operating profit reached €1.57 billion, equating to an operating margin of 5.2%. Group net profit came in at around €700 million.

Reasons behind the success

According to the French manufacturer, this performance is mainly explained by its refreshed line-up, the product mix, the strong contribution from Mobilize Financial Services, and rising demand for electrified versions. These accounted for 52% of the Renault Group’s European sales in the first half, an increase of 8.2% versus the same period last year.

Fully electric models were particularly important. Sales climbed by 47.6% and now represent 18.8% of the Group’s deliveries in Europe. Hybrids, meanwhile, made up about 1/3 of sales (+1.6 percentage points), further underpinning the brand’s electrification strategy.

International markets and cost discipline

The Renault Group also posted strong growth across several international markets. In India, sales jumped by 61.2%, while Turkey, Morocco and Brazil recorded increases of 15.4%, 13.7% and 5.3%, respectively.

Despite a challenging backdrop for the automotive industry, Renault says it is continuing to execute its futuREady strategic plan, focused on cost reductions and speeding up the development of new models. Over the first half, the Group reduced variable production costs, while keeping fixed costs broadly unchanged.

Targets remain unchanged

On the back of these results, Renault reaffirmed its 2026 guidance. The Group is still targeting an operating margin of around 5.5% of revenue and automotive division free cash flow of about €1 billion.

“Our results demonstrate that the futuREady plan is becoming the way the Renault Group operates,” said François Provost, Chief Executive Officer of the Renault Group.

He also highlighted the strong performance of electrified models and said the product offensive will continue through the second half, with the arrival of models such as the Renault Niagara, the updated Mégane E-Tech and the new Dacia Spring.