Renault increased its sales during the first quarter of the year. In volume terms worldwide, it sold 625,065 vehicles during the first quarter of the year, compared with 597,123 during the same period last year.

This breaks down into 538,131 passenger cars and 86,934 light commercial vehicles, an increase of 4.7%.

'The group benefited in particularly from a rise in unit sales at Renault Samsung Motors to 24,746 units, compared with 12,074 in first-quarter 2001 and a 3.2% increase in sales in Western Europe, where the market contracted 4.2%. But the continuing steep downward trend in the markets in Turkey and Argentina continued to undermine group sales.'

Commenting on an increase in revenue, the group said: 'Growth in revenues stemmed primarily from a favourable model and engine mix in Europe as well as from an increase in worldwide billings, led principally, by Renault Samsung Motors,' the manufacturer said.

'The key factors compared with the first quarter 2001 were a sharp rise in Laguna sales and a further increase in the percentage of revenues generated by diesel vehicles.'

According to the ACEA, Renault increased its European sales during January to March to 422,619 units from 411,097 units.