Key Stats
- Founded: 1899 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- 2024 Revenue: €56.23 billion
- Market Cap: Approximately $10-12 billion (2025)
- Employees: ~98,600 worldwide
- Brands: Renault, Dacia, Alpine, Mobilize
Renault SA ranks among the oldest and most recognized automobile manufacturers in the world. The French company produces passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and offers automotive financing through its subsidiaries.
Headquartered near Paris, Renault operates as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the largest automotive groups globally. The company sells vehicles under the Renault, Dacia, and Alpine brands across more than 130 countries.
Both the French government and Nissan Motor hold 15% ownership stakes in the company. Renault has manufacturing facilities on multiple continents and has shaped automotive history through engineering advances and motorsport achievements.
Renault History
The Renault timeline spans over 125 years of automotive development, from horse-drawn carriages to electric vehicles.
1898
Louis Renault sold his first car, the Voiturette 1CV, on December 24. The company officially registered as Société Renault Frères the following year with brothers Marcel and Fernand.
1906
Ferenc Szisz won the first Grand Prix motor racing event in a Renault AK 90CV. Louis became sole owner after Fernand’s retirement.
1918
During WWI, Renault manufactured the FT tank, ammunition, and military aircraft. Louis Renault received the Legion of Honour for these contributions.
1945
The company was nationalized and renamed Régie Nationale des Usines Renault after WWII. Pierre Lefaucheux became the administrator.
1961
Launch of the Renault 4, which remained in production until 1992 and became one of the most successful European cars of its era.
1984
Renault introduced the Espace, Europe’s first multi-purpose vehicle, which defined the minivan category for decades.
1996
Privatization of Renault allowed the company to pursue international expansion and strategic partnerships.
1999
Renault formed an alliance with Nissan, acquiring a 36.8% stake. The same year, Renault purchased a 51% stake in Romanian automaker Dacia.
2000
Acquired Samsung Motors in South Korea, expanding the company’s presence in the Asian market.
2024
Renault formed a joint venture with Geely for powertrain development, marking a new chapter in strategic partnerships.
Renault Co-founders
Louis Renault
The engineering genius behind Renault’s early innovations. He designed the first Renault cars and led the company until 1944. His direct-drive transmission system became an industry standard.
Marcel Renault
Handled business operations and raced company vehicles. He died in 1903 during the Paris-Madrid race, ending his promising career in motorsport.
Fernand Renault
Managed company finances and business development. He retired in 1906 due to health issues and passed away in 1909.
Renault Revenue
Renault’s revenue reached €56.23 billion in 2024, showing a 7.36% increase from the previous year. The automotive segment generates most of this income, followed by sales financing operations.
Renault Marketcap
As of early 2025, Renault’s market capitalization stands at approximately $10-12 billion. The stock trades on Euronext Paris under the ticker symbol RNO.
Renault Competitors
Renault competes with major global automakers across passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. European competitors like Volkswagen Group and Stellantis hold larger market shares in Europe.
| Competitor | Headquarters | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Group | Germany | VW, Audi, Porsche, Skoda |
| Stellantis | Netherlands | Peugeot, Fiat, Jeep, Opel |
| Toyota | Japan | Toyota, Lexus |
| Hyundai-Kia | South Korea | Hyundai, Kia, Genesis |
| Ford Motor | United States | Ford, Lincoln |
| General Motors | United States | Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC |
| Mercedes-Benz | Germany | Mercedes-Benz, Smart |
| BMW Group | Germany | BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce |
| Honda Motor | Japan | Honda, Acura |
| Nissan Motor | Japan | Nissan, Infiniti |
Renault Acquisitions
Renault has built its global presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships over the past three decades.
In 1999, Renault acquired a 51% stake in Dacia, the Romanian automaker that had produced Renault-licensed vehicles since the 1960s. Renault transformed Dacia into a budget-friendly brand. The Dacia Sandero became Europe’s best-selling car model in 2024.
The company purchased Samsung Motors in 2000 for approximately £59.5 million. Rebranded as Renault Samsung Motors, this South Korean subsidiary gave Renault access to Asian manufacturing capabilities and a foothold in the Korean market.
The 1999 alliance with Nissan cost $3.5 billion for an initial 36.8% stake. This partnership created one of the world’s largest automotive groups without a full merger. Carlos Ghosn led the restructuring that saved Nissan from bankruptcy. The alliance expanded in 2016 when Nissan acquired a controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors.
Earlier acquisitions shaped Renault’s commercial vehicle business. The company absorbed Somua and Latil in the 1950s, merging them with its truck division to form Saviem in 1955. Renault later acquired Berliet from Citroën in 1975, combining these truck makers into Renault Véhicules Industriels in 1978. This division was sold to Volvo in 2001.
Renault once held a stake in American Motors Corporation. After purchasing a 22.5% stake in late 1979, Renault increased its holdings to 47.5% by 1980. The partnership produced vehicles like the Renault Alliance in Wisconsin before Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987.
In 2024, Renault and Geely established a joint venture for powertrain development, combining their internal combustion and hybrid technology assets. This venture supplies engines to multiple brands within both companies’ portfolios.
FAQs
Who founded Renault?
Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand founded the company in 1899. Louis handled engineering and design while his brothers managed business operations.
When was Renault founded?
Renault sold its first car on December 24, 1898. The company officially registered as Société Renault Frères in 1899 in France.
What brands does Renault own?
Renault owns Dacia, Alpine, and Mobilize. The company also operates Renault Korea (formerly Renault Samsung Motors) and holds stakes in Nissan.
Where is Renault headquartered?
Renault is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, near Paris. The company has operated from this location since its founding.
Is Renault a state-owned company?
Renault was privatized in 1996. The French government retains a 15% ownership stake, making it one of the largest shareholders alongside Nissan.