Renault Group

French multinational automobile manufacturer and founding member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, producing vehicles under multiple brands.

Company Type

public

Founded

1899

Headquarters

Boulogne-Billancourt, France

Stock

Euronext Paris: RNO

About Renault Group

Renault Group stands as one of the automotive industry's most innovative and historically significant companies, combining French engineering excellence with global reach. The company's portfolio encompasses multiple brands serving different market segments, from the mass-market appeal of Renault to the affordable practicality of Dacia, the performance heritage of Alpine, and the emerging mobility solutions of Mobilize.

The company's strategic position within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance provides significant advantages in terms of shared technology development, manufacturing scale, and global market presence. This alliance structure allows Renault to maintain its distinct brand identity while benefiting from synergies in research and development, procurement, and market access across partner companies.

Renault has established itself as a leader in electric vehicle technology, with models like the Renault Zoe becoming among Europe's best-selling electric cars. The company's commitment to sustainable mobility extends beyond passenger vehicles to include commercial electric vans and comprehensive charging solutions. This forward-thinking approach positions Renault well for the automotive industry's transition to electrification.

The French government maintains a significant ownership stake in Renault, reflecting the company's strategic importance to the national economy and industrial base. This relationship provides stability while allowing Renault to operate with commercial flexibility in global markets.

History of Renault Group

The Renault story began in 1899 when Louis Renault, then just 21 years old, built his first automobile in a small workshop outside Paris. The vehicle featured innovative direct transmission technology that eliminated the need for chains and belts, a breakthrough that attracted immediate attention. Louis was soon joined by his brothers Marcel and Fernand, establishing Société Renault Frères in 1899.

The company quickly gained recognition through motorsport success, with Louis and Marcel Renault achieving victories in early city-to-city races. These racing accomplishments helped establish Renault's reputation for reliability and performance, driving early sales growth. Tragically, Marcel Renault died in a racing accident in 1903, but Louis continued to develop the company.

During World War I, Renault contributed significantly to the French war effort by producing military vehicles, including the famous FT tank, which revolutionized armored warfare design. This period established Renault's capabilities in large-scale manufacturing and military production, which would influence future business development.

The interwar years saw Renault expand into commercial vehicles and establish itself as France's largest automobile manufacturer. The company introduced innovative models like the Renault 4CV, which helped democratize automobile ownership in post-war France. However, the company faced challenges during World War II, when its factories were seized by German occupiers and Louis Renault was accused of collaboration.

Following the war, the French government nationalized Renault in 1945, creating Régie Nationale des Usines Renault. The company remained state-owned until 1996, when it was privatized under CEO Louis Schweitzer. This period saw the development of iconic models like the Renault 4, Renault 5, and the pioneering Espace, which helped create the European minivan segment.

The late 1990s marked a transformative period with the formation of the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 1999. Under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn, this partnership became one of the most successful cross-border automotive collaborations, saving Nissan from near-bankruptcy and creating a global automotive powerhouse.

Brands Owned by Renault Group

View all 7 brands

Renault Group owns 7 brands in our database. Showing featured brands below.

Alpine

Owned by Renault Group

French sports car brand owned by Renault, part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for high-performance vehicles.

sports-carsfrench-brandhigh-performance

Dacia

Owned by Renault Group

Romanian automobile manufacturer owned by Renault, part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for affordable and practical vehicles.

affordable-carsromanian-brandpractical-vehicles

Infiniti

Owned by Renault Group

Japanese luxury automobile brand owned by Nissan, part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for premium vehicles.

luxury-carsjapanese-brandpremium-vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors

Owned by Renault Group

Japanese automobile manufacturer and member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for SUVs and reliable vehicles.

japanese-brandsuv-vehiclesreliable-cars

Nissan

Owned by Renault Group

Japanese automobile manufacturer and member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, known for reliable and innovative vehicles.

japanese-brandreliable-carsinnovative-vehicles

Renault

Owned by Renault Group

Leading French multinational automobile manufacturer and founding member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, specializing in electric vehicles, mass-market cars, and innovative mobility solutions.

french-brandelectric-vehiclespractical-cars

View all 7 brands owned by Renault Group

Shop Renault Group Brands

Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases

Alpine on Amazon

Dacia on Amazon

Infiniti on Amazon

Stock Information

Frequently Asked Questions About Renault Group

What is the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance?

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is a strategic partnership formed in 1999 between Renault and Nissan, later expanded to include Mitsubishi Motors in 2016. It's one of the world's largest automotive groups by sales volume, with members maintaining separate brand identities while sharing technology, platforms, and manufacturing resources.

Is Renault a French company?

Yes, Renault Group is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, and was founded in 1899 by Louis Renault. The French government holds a significant ownership stake in the company, reflecting its strategic importance to the French automotive industry and economy.

What electric cars does Renault make?

Renault is a leader in electric vehicles, with models including the Renault Zoe (one of Europe's best-selling EVs), the Renault Twingo Electric, and various commercial electric vans. The company has committed to expanding its EV lineup as part of its strategy for sustainable mobility.

Does Renault own Nissan?

Renault does not fully own Nissan but holds a significant stake in the company as part of the alliance structure. The relationship involves cross-shareholdings and strategic coordination while maintaining separate corporate identities and brand management.

How many cars does Renault sell annually?

Through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the group sells approximately 8-10 million vehicles annually across all member brands. Renault brand specifically sells several million vehicles per year, with strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and select Asian markets.

About Renault Group

History of Renault Group