Ghosn Predicts 800,000 Sales for Renault in China

Renault-Nissan alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn tells Automotive News Europe that Renault, which sold 32,000 vehicles in China last year, could eventually reach annual volume of 800,000 units there.

Ghosn notes that Renault accounts for 4% of the global auto market now. Duplicating that share in China would mean some 800,000 local sales.

The company and partner Dongfeng Motor Co. Ltd. expect to open their first factory in China in 2016. Dongfeng already operates a joint-venture factory in China with Nissan Motor Co.

The Renault-Dongfeng facility in Wuhan will have initial capacity for 150,000 vehicles. But it can be expanded to twice that volume if sales permit, according to the partners. Ghosn notes that many Renault models share their platforms with Nissan cars and light trucks, which would make it relatively easy for the French brand to establish local production.

ANE says Renault plans to make a small car, midsize car and two crossovers in China. Ghosn didn't indicate when he thought the company's sales in the country would approach 800,000 units.