With the car market showing positive signs of recovery on this time last year The Renault Group has reported a strong start to 2014, with a combined market share of 7.3%, up 120% on January 2013.

Dacia, the shockingly affordable option, is continuing to perform well, with over 500 units registered in January and coming in with a 2.3% share of the passenger car market. The Dacia Duster was the 4th best-selling in its segment.

Renault is again on the podium with its award winning LCV range coming in at 9.3% market share in January. The Group announced today that the third generation new design Trafic will be launching this summer. The appeal of the van produced by Europe’s number one LCV manufacturer since 1998 is boosted by revised styling, new technologies and a range of new engines that benefit from Renault’s expertise in the world of Formula 1 racing.

Patrick Magee, Country Operations Manager, The Renault Group Ireland said: “January was an excellent month for the Group with a combined market share of 7.3%, with the biggest increase in the market. The success is down to a great range of new stylish and fuel efficient cars and boosted by the fact that we are the only manufacturer to have a full 5 year unlimited mileage warranty across our entire range of passenger and LCV models.

Other key factors in January’s success are that we have a bank that is open and lending to Renault and Dacia personal and business customers, with over €10 million lent to Irish customers this month,  and our accessible network, the fastest growing in Ireland”.