Renault head maintains 2008 targets despite difficulties 30/04/2008 00:00

The head of French automaker Renault, Carlos Ghosn, said Tuesday the group was maintaining its 2008 growth targets.

   PARIS, April 29, 2008 - The head of French automaker Renault, Carlos Ghosn, said Tuesday the group was maintaining its 2008 growth targets but warned the next few months would be difficult in an "unfavorable environment."

   "We're sticking to our objectives of a 4.5 percent operating margin for
2008... and we are maintaining our volume growth projection of more than 10
percent," Ghosn told a Renault shareholder general assembly.

   "The first months of the year have not been easy. Everything suggests that
the next few months will not be either, given an economic and financial
environment that is both unfavorable and volatile."

   He said Renault was at a disadvantage because of the rise of the euro,
which makes its products more expensive and less competitive on world markets.

   In addition, "the hike in raw materials prices has been stronger than
foreseen" at a time when "the European market is contracting," notably in
Spain and Italy.

   Renault is banking on developing its vehicle range with nine new products
this year as well as on a good performance in emerging market countries such
as Russia, Brazil and India, which are enjoying double digit growth.

   "The growth of the automobile market will come via emerging countries,"
Ghosn said, adding that the Renault would nonetheless continue to be active on
"mature markets," even in a "defensive" capacity.

   Ghosn recalled that Renault is engaged in a project to offer a car for
2,500 dollars in India, in partnership with the Indian manufacturer Bajaj,
with the first vehicle expected to be ready for sale in first half of 2011.

   Renault is also building a plant at another Indian location, Chennai, and
in the Moroccan city of Tangiers.

   The group has in addition teamed up with Russian automaker Avtovaz, as
Russia is seen as soon becoming Europe's leading auto market. It is also
preparing a project to produce electrical vehicles, with 2012 as the target
sales date.

[AFP / Expatica]