Renault strengthens its Middle East organization to boost performance in region

In the GCC markets for example, the Renault Brand is booming with record sales of 12,092 units sold in 2012, up 27% in a dynamic market that increased 23% last year. Renault is now the 4th European brand in the GCC, one of the top two generalist European brands in the region and already the 1st European Brand in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Renault Middle East will use the resources and talents of all Renault teams already present in the region to maximize Renault's performance and market share. As such, Renault will strengthen all its functions in the region through a reinforced proximity to markets.

From February 1st, 2013, the following 12 countries will be consolidated under the scope of Renault Middle East: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and United Arab Emirates.

Gilles Normand, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific region, said, "The creation of Renault Middle East is designed to meet our growth objectives in the overall Asia-Pacific region which represents 50% of the worldwide automobile market. The Middle East is a very dynamic and high potential market which is strategic for us. This new organization is clearly a new milestone in our brand development in this part of the world."

Peyman Kargar, Renault Middle East Managing Director, said, "Our current regional office has shown the way with a significant increase in market share in the GCC from 0.2% in 2010 to 1% in 2012. This was a first and challenging step to establish our position and the basis for sustainable growth. But Renault deserves more than 1%. Our new organization will be fully transversal between all functions and the 12 countries to seize all business opportunities. Our objective with our partners is to further boost our brand potential and market share in the Middle East."

Part of the new organization changes, Mustansir Lakdawala after 3 years as Managing Director of Renault GCC will return to Nissan for a new assignment while Hakim Boutehra will be appointed Commercial Director of Renault Middle East.

The creation of Renault Middle East is completely in tune with Renault's international expansion strategy outside of Europe in high-growth and high-potential markets. In 2012, Renault sales outside of Europe exceeded 50% for the first time, compared to 18% in 2002.