Renault targets huge rise in Middle East car sales by 2017

Renault has announced that it is targeting major sales growth in Middle East markets - aiming to sell 75,000 vehicles by 2017.

The French carmaker said 11 new models are to be launched in the next three years to help hit the sales target.

Renault said in a statement that the region "remains a priority market worldwide" and wants to triple its market share to 3 percent by 2017.

Renault said its sales over the past two years were up by 72 percent in the Gulf and up by 46 percent in the wider Middle East.

Peyman Kargar, vice-president for the Africa Middle East India region said: "The Middle East is a key region for Renault. We have built an ambitious three-step growth plan for the coming years to gradually go from 3 percent market share and beyond. 2015 will demonstrate Renault's acceleration and shows the path for the future."

In 2014 Renault recorded a strong sales performance in the GCC and the Levant selling 23,650 vehicles; a 39 percent increase compared to 2013.

Saudi Arabia, a priority market, witnessed growth of 63 percent on a market up by 11.8 percent, Renault said, adding that sales rose by 39 percent in Dubai.

The Renault Duster and Fluence remained the best-selling European models in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the statement added.