Romanian car brand Dacia sold more than 263,000 cars worldwide in the first semester of 2014, which is 51,500 cars more than in the same period of 2013. This represents a 24.3 percent growth year-on-year, according to data released by French group Renault, which owns Dacia.

Dacia was the main driver for the 4.7 percent growth in Renault international sales in the first half of the year. Renault sold a total of 1.365 million cars, 61,000 more than in H1 2013.

Renault’s sales increase came mostly from Europe, where the group sold 18 percent more cars in the first six months of the year, compared to a 6.5 percent growth for the overall market.

“Dacia brand sales recorded the strongest increase of any brand (in Europe – e.n.). Bolstered by the renewal of its range and the relevance of its offer in today’s difficult economic environment in Europe, the brand grew its market share by 0.5 points to 2.6 percent,” Renault said.

For the second half of the year, Renault expects to continue its good performance in Europe.

“The continued renewal of Logan and Sandero internationally should enable us to hold firm in falling emerging markets. In Europe, the imminent launches of New Twingo and New Trafic will confirm the trend of the first six months. Within this context, we confirm our projections of increased market share in Europe and of greater worldwide sales", said Jérôme Stoll, Chief Performance Officer and Executive Vice-President, Sales and Marketing for Renault group.

Andrei Chirileasa,andrei@romania-insider.com