Written by Renault Group
Renault Group is the French car maker founded by three brothers in 1899, and it is best known for the Clio, the Renault 4 and 5 and its Formula 1 success. This guide covers the current Renault lineup, as well as the company’s history and ownership, its biggest achievements and its racing history.
Renault Group at a Glance
Founded 25 February 1899 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Founders Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault The Renault brothers
Headquarters Boulogne-Billancourt Near Paris, France
Listed Euronext Paris: RNO French state owns about 15%
Group sales 2025 2,336,807 Up 3.2%; Renault brand 1,628,030
Leadership François Provost CEO since July 2025; Jean-Dominique Senard is chairman
Renault Group Model Lineup
Renault Group sells its Renault models mainly in Europe, Latin America, Türkiye, Morocco and South Korea, so the list below shows the core models in 2026, grouped by type. However, Renault does not sell cars in the United States or Canada. Meanwhile, its electric range grew quickly in 2025, when electric cars made up 20.2% of Renault brand sales.
Electric (5)
Electric city car
Renault Twingo E-Tech
Electric New for 2026
The new electric Twingo goes on sale in 2026 at under €20,000 in Europe. It was also developed in just two years and is built in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, with a range of 263 km (WLTP).
Electric hatchback
Renault 5 E-Tech
Electric Car of the Year 2025
The Renault 5 returned in 2024 as a retro-styled electric hatchback, and it was then voted European Car of the Year 2025 together with its sporty twin, the Alpine A290.
Electric small SUV
Renault 4 E-Tech
Electric France
This electric revival of the classic Renault 4 finally arrived in 2025. It shares its platform with the Renault 5 but adds more space, especially for luggage.
Electric compact
Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
Electric Crossover
The Megane became a fully electric crossover in 2022, and it was the first Renault built on the CMF-EV platform shared with Nissan.
Electric family SUV
Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric
Electric Car of the Year 2024
The Scenic returned in 2024 as an electric family SUV instead of a minivan, and it won the European Car of the Year award that year.
Hybrid and gas (6)
Small car
Renault Clio
Gas Hybrid Hatchback
The sixth-generation Clio arrived from late 2025, when the old model was still a best-seller. The Clio has sold more than 17 million cars since 1990, and in 2025 it was again Europe’s second best-selling car, with 229,778 sold.
Small SUV
Renault Captur
Gas Hybrid
The Captur is Renault’s small SUV, and it was also updated in 2024 with a new front end and more technology.
Compact SUV
Renault Symbioz
Hybrid Gas
Launched in 2024, the Symbioz sits between the Captur and the Austral, so it offers family space in a compact size.
Compact SUV
Renault Austral
Hybrid Gas
The Austral replaced the Kadjar in 2022, and since then it has been built in Palencia, Spain. It is also offered as a full hybrid.
Coupe-SUV
Renault Rafale
Hybrid Plug-in hybrid 4×4
The Rafale is Renault’s flagship coupe-SUV, and its plug-in hybrid version with all-wheel drive produces 300 horsepower.
Large SUV
Renault Espace
Hybrid 5 or 7 seats
The Espace name first appeared on Europe’s first minivan in 1984. Since 2023, however, it has been a hybrid SUV with up to seven seats.
Global models (2)
Compact SUV
Renault Duster
Gas 4×4 Latin America & Türkiye
The Duster is sold under the Renault name in markets such as Latin America and Türkiye, while European buyers get the same car as a Dacia.
Compact SUV
Renault Boreal
Gas Latin America
The Boreal was launched in 2025 as a larger SUV for Latin America and other international markets, where Renault’s sales grew by 11.7% that year.
Vans (3)
Small van
Renault Kangoo
Gas Diesel Electric
The Kangoo is offered as a family car and as a commercial van, and it is also available as a fully electric E-Tech model.
Mid-size van
Renault Trafic
Diesel Electric
The Trafic is Renault’s mid-size van for trades and passenger transport, and it is also built in Sandouville, France.
Large van
Renault Master
Diesel Electric
The fourth-generation Master arrived in 2024 with a more aerodynamic design, and it is offered with diesel or electric power.
What Is Renault Group?
Renault Group is a French car maker headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris. Louis Renault built his first car, the Voiturette Type A, in 1898, and he then founded Renault Frères with his brothers Marcel and Fernand on 25 February 1899. Early racing wins, especially Marcel Renault’s victory in the 1902 Paris–Vienna race, soon made the name famous.
In 1945 the French state nationalized the company as the Régie Nationale des Usines Renault, because Louis Renault had been accused of collaboration during the war. As a state company, Renault built popular cars such as the 4CV, the Renault 4 and the Renault 5, until it was privatized in 1996.
Today Renault Group sells cars under the Renault, Dacia and Alpine brands, as well as mobility services under Mobilize. It also leads an alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors, while its Ampere unit develops electric cars and software.
Renault Group History
Renault Group grew from a garden workshop in Billancourt into one of Europe’s biggest car makers in little more than a century, especially after the Second World War.
- 1898 Louis Renault builds his first car, the Voiturette Type A, in Billancourt before he turns 22.
- 1899 Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault then found Renault Frères on 25 February.
- 1902 Marcel Renault wins the Paris–Vienna race, so Renault becomes famous across Europe.
- 1914 During the First World War, Renault taxis carry French soldiers to the First Battle of the Marne.
- 1945 When the war ends, the French state nationalizes the company as the Régie Nationale des Usines Renault.
- 1947 The small 4CV goes on sale and soon becomes France’s first car to pass one million sales.
- 1961 The Renault 4 is launched, and it stays in production for more than 30 years.
- 1972 The Renault 5 arrives and later becomes France’s best-selling car.
- 1977 Renault enters Formula 1 with the RS01, which is also the first turbocharged Formula 1 car.
- 1984 The Espace becomes Europe’s first minivan, although it is built by Matra.
- 1990 The first Clio goes on sale, and it is then voted European Car of the Year 1991.
- 1996 The French state sells its majority stake, so Renault becomes a privately run company.
- 1999 Renault buys Dacia and also forms its alliance with Nissan.
- 2005 Fernando Alonso and Renault win both Formula 1 world championships, and then win them again in 2006.
- 2025 François Provost becomes CEO, while the group sells 2.34 million vehicles.
- 2026 The electric Twingo goes on sale, but Renault no longer builds Formula 1 engines.
Iconic Renault Models
These six cars shaped Renault Group and French motoring, from the post-war 4CV to Europe’s first minivan.
1947–1961
Renault 4CV
Rear-engined First million-seller
The 4CV put France back on wheels after the Second World War, and it became the first French car to sell more than a million.
1961–1994
Renault 4
Hatchback Over 8 million built
The practical Renault 4 was one of the first hatchbacks, and it sold more than 8 million cars in over 30 years.
1972–1985
Renault 5
Supermini Best-seller
The original Renault 5 helped create the modern supermini, so it became one of France’s best-selling cars. Its look also inspired today’s electric Renault 5.
1980–1986
Renault 5 Turbo
Mid-engined Rally car
Renault moved the engine behind the seats and added a turbo, and as a result the 5 Turbo became a rally winner and a road-going legend.
1984
Renault Espace (first generation)
Europe’s first minivan
Built by Matra, the first Espace created the European minivan, and it inspired a new kind of family car.
1992–2007
Renault Twingo (first generation)
City car One-box design
The smiling first Twingo packed a surprisingly roomy cabin into a tiny body, so it became a city favorite for 15 years.
Who Owns Renault Group?
Renault Group is a public company, and it is listed in Paris. The French state is still its largest shareholder, with about 15%, and Nissan also holds a stake through the alliance. Renault Group owns Dacia and Alpine outright and holds stakes in several other companies. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Shareholders Public shareholders, the French state and Nissan Euronext Paris: RNO · French state about 15%
This page Renault Group Boulogne-Billancourt, France · Renault, Dacia, Alpine and Mobilize
100% Dacia Romanian brand, bought in 1999
100% Alpine Sports car brand, under Renault control since 1973
Majority Renault Korea South Korean maker, formerly Renault Samsung Motors
45% Horse Powertrain Engine joint venture with Geely and Aramco
Partners and alliances
Renault shares platforms, engines and factories with other car makers, especially through its alliance with Nissan.
- Nissan (alliance partner since 1999)
- Mitsubishi Motors (alliance member since 2016)
- Geely (Horse Powertrain and Renault Korea)
- Mercedes-Benz (vans based on the Kangoo)
- Ford (Ford electric cars on a Renault platform from 2028)
Renault and Nissan still own shares in each other, although a 2025 agreement lets each cut its stake to as little as 10%.
Brands Renault Group has owned
- AMC (1979–1987) Renault controlled American Motors until it sold the company to Chrysler in 1987.
- Renault Trucks (until 2001) Renault sold its truck business to the Volvo Group in 2001.
- AvtoVAZ / Lada (until 2022) Renault was the controlling shareholder of Russia’s largest car maker until it left Russia in 2022.
Renault Group Accomplishments
The record of Renault Group rests on popular small cars, early electric models and more Formula 1 titles than most car makers.
2.34 million
Group sales in 2025
It was the third year of growth in a row, and Renault Group was again the best-selling car group in France.
17 million
Clios sold
The Clio has sold more than 17 million cars since 1990, so it is Renault’s best-selling model.
12
Formula 1 constructors’ titles
Renault won two titles as a works team in 2005 and 2006, as well as 10 more as an engine supplier.
1977
First turbo Formula 1 car
The RS01 brought turbocharging to Formula 1, and it won for the first time at the 1979 French Grand Prix.
1978
Le Mans win
The Alpine A442B finally won the 24 Hours of Le Mans after several attempts.
1984
Europe’s first minivan
The Espace started a new kind of family car in Europe, so rivals soon followed with their own minivans.
2025
Car of the Year
The Renault 5 E-Tech won with the Alpine A290, after the Clio (1991 and 2006) and the Scenic (2024) had also won.
10 million
Dacias sold
Dacia passed 10 million sales in 2025, while the Sandero was Europe’s best-selling car.
Renault Racing History
Renault Group has won at the top level in Formula 1, sports cars and rallying, both under its own name and through Alpine. Its biggest endurance win came at the Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while its Formula 1 cars have won at almost every Grand Prix circuit. However, since 2026 its Alpine team has used Mercedes engines.
Formula 1 works team
Renault F1 Team
2005 & 2006 titles Fernando Alonso
Renault entered Formula 1 in 1977 with the RS01, and Jean-Pierre Jabouille then gave it its first win at the 1979 French Grand Prix. Later, as a works team, Renault won both championships in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso.
Formula 1 engine supplier
Renault F1 engines
10 constructors’ titles 160+ wins
Renault engines powered Williams, Benetton and Red Bull to 10 constructors’ and 10 drivers’ titles, including Sebastian Vettel’s four in a row from 2010 to 2013. However, Renault stopped building Formula 1 engines after 2025.
Le Mans, 1978
Renault Alpine A442B
Le Mans winner Turbocharged
After several attempts, Renault finally won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978 with the turbocharged Alpine A442B driven by Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud.
World Rally Championship, 1973
Alpine A110
First WRC title Rally
The Renault-powered Alpine A110 won the first World Rally Championship for manufacturers in 1973, when Alpine had just come under Renault control.
Talk Renault With Other Owners
Renault owners have plenty to share, whether it is a classic Renault 4 or a new electric Renault 5. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Renault community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- Electric Renault ownership
- Classic Renault 4 and 5
- Maintenance and repairs
- Renault Sport and Alpine
- Hybrid E-Tech models
- Renault meets and events
- Buying used
- Formula 1 history
Renault Group FAQ
Who founded Renault Group?
Brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault founded the company as Renault Frères on 25 February 1899 in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris. Louis Renault had also built his first car a year earlier, in 1898.
Who owns Renault Group?
Renault Group is a public company listed on Euronext Paris. The French state is its largest shareholder, with about 15%, while Nissan also holds a stake and most shares are held by investors.
What brands does Renault own?
Renault Group owns Renault, Dacia and Alpine, as well as the mobility brand Mobilize. It also holds a majority of Renault Korea and 45% of Horse Powertrain, an engine company it shares with Geely and Aramco.
Does Renault own Nissan?
No. Renault and Nissan are alliance partners, and each owns part of the other, but neither controls the other. However, in 2025 they agreed that each may reduce its stake to as little as 10%.
Is Renault sold in the United States?
No. Renault stopped selling cars in the US in 1987, when it sold American Motors to Chrysler. Instead, it focuses on Europe, Latin America, Türkiye, Morocco and South Korea.
What is Renault’s best-selling car?
It is the Clio, which has sold more than 17 million cars since 1990. In 2025 it was Europe’s second best-selling car, just behind the Dacia Sandero from the same group.
Is Renault still in Formula 1?
Yes, through its Alpine F1 team. However, Renault stopped building Formula 1 engines after 2025, so the team has used Mercedes engines since 2026.
Is Renault going electric?
Renault Group sells electric, hybrid and gas cars, so buyers can still choose. Its electric range includes the Twingo, Renault 5, Renault 4, Megane and Scenic, and in 2025 electric cars made up 20.2% of Renault brand sales, while hybrids grew by 35%.
Explore More Manufacturers
Compare Renault Group with other European and global car makers, especially its French rivals.
Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Green Renault Twingo E-Tech electric city car: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Renault 5 E-Tech electric in Stuttgart, Germany: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Grey Renault 4 E-Tech electric SUV: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Renault Megane E-Tech Electric compact electric car: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric family SUV: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2024 Renault Captur at the Automesse Ludwigsburg: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Blue Renault Symbioz compact SUV: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Renault Austral SUV in Stuttgart, Germany: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Renault Rafale E-Tech plug-in hybrid 300 4x4…: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Sixth-generation Renault Espace E-Tech full hybrid: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- 2024 Renault Duster 1.3 TCe Iconic photographed…: Just a Man, CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Blue 2026 Renault Boreal SUV: Autosdeprimera, CC BY 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 2024 Renault Kangoo in Mineral White: Cutlass, CC0, cropped and resized.
- White 2024 Renault Trafic long-wheelbase van: LuvsMG481, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2025 Renault Master van in Urban Grey: Cutlass, CC0, cropped and resized.
- 1955 Renault 4CV in its original paint: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 1984 Renault 4 GTL in raw silk…: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 1972 Renault 5 TL, the original Renault…: Kieran White from Manchester, England, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- 1981 Renault 5 Turbo mid-engined hatchback: MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- First-generation Renault Espace from 1984 at Retromobile…: Thesupermat, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 1993 Renault Twingo, the first-generation city car: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Fernando Alonso's 2005 Renault R25 Formula 1…: Morio, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Williams FW14B, the Renault-powered 1992 Formula 1…: taken by Mikelo, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped and resized.
- White 1973 Alpine A110 1600S with rally-style…: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- Red sixth-generation Renault Clio at the IAA…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Renault Alpine A442 sports prototype at the…: David Merrett, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.