Get to know your European automaker; Renault
By Jason Udy | February 10, 2010
By Kevin Hopes
Although American automakers have been subject to the piercing knife of the economy, as have all companies worldwide, we might be a bit better off if we looked abroad and took some advice from Europe. French automaker Renault is not available in the United States, but because of their partnership with Nissan, they are one of the world’s top automobile producers behind Toyota, General Motors and Ford.
Founded in 1897 Renault sells their cars in over 100 countries worldwide and posted over 787 million USD profit for 2008. Compared to Ford Motor Company, whose total equity in 2008 was -17 billion USD, and the even worse GM, whose total equity in 2008 was -91 billion USD, Renault must be doing something right.
Most models reflect what you would expect out of a European cars: small, fuel efficient, safe, inexpensive, and all comparable to the market’s competition. However, because the competition includes American and Asian made vehicles, the reliability ratings are rather low. The styling is progressive, however, I would call them an ugly sleeper car- even if one was to zip by me anywhere in the states I wouldn’t notice it. Renault is nothing to covet but they have a good business model. That is the only valuable guidance they offer.
Their own commercial explains the best thing to do with a Renault.
