Renault expects India sales to grow 8% in 2017

French auto major Renault expects its sales in India to grow by 8 percent this year, with the country becoming its eighth-biggest market worldwide riding on the successful entry-level small car Kwid.

Groupe Renault, which saw a record global sales of 31,82,625 units growing by 13.3 percent in 2016, posted sales growth of 145.6 percent in India last year.

"In India, Renault kept its position as best-selling European automotive brand, with sales up by 145.6 percent.

Kwid registrations totalled 1,05,745. India rose five places to become the group's eighth-biggest market worldwide," the company said in a statement.

Globally, its sales were on the rise for the fourth year running, the company added.

"In the Africa/Middle-East/India region, Groupe Renault registrations rose by 36.4 percent, giving a market share of 6.2 percent (up 1.7 points)," it said.

On the outlook, it said: "At the international level, the Brazilian and Russian markets are expected to become stable.

China shall grow by 5 percent and India by 8 percent." "Groupe Renault should continue to reap the benefit of product range renewal in Europe and the strong dynamics on international markets, with Kwid in India, Koleos and Kadjar in China, Kaptur in Russia, QM6 and SM6 in South Korea, and Alaskan plus the SUV range in Latin America," the company said.

In 2017, the global market is expected to grow by 1.5-2 percent compared with 2016. The European market is also expected to increase by 2 percent, with a 2 percent growth also for France, Renault said.

"Groupe Renault, therefore, expects a sustained growth in sales volume and market share in Europe and in the international markets," it added.