Dacia
CEO Denis Le Vot says Dacia has carefully calibrated what features compact SUV buyers want in the Bigster, which features 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains and new comfort features.
The Bigster is priced thousands below top-selling SUVs such as the VW Tiguan and Hyundai Tucson.
The Sandero's winning streak looks set to continue. Other cars with big gains included the VW Tiguan, Dacia Duster and Toyota C-HR.
The small hatchback, which was Europe’s No. 1-seller in 2024, is well ahead of the VW Golf and Peugeot 208, which are in a tight race for second place.
The electric minicar will compete with Chinese budget electric cars such as the BYD Seagull and Leapmotor T03.
Tesla's final-month push, with help from incentives, wasn't enough to help the Model Y defend its title as Europe's bestseller. The Model Y is on track to finish fourth overall.
Frank Marotte joins Dacia as the Renault brand continues to boost its sales in Europe. He succeeds Xavier Martinet, who was appointed CEO of Hyundai Europe in November.
The Renault Group brand’s global sales growth in 2024 was mainly driven by the Sandero small hatchback, Europe's best-seller, but 2025 will be "the year of the compact" CEO Denis Le Vot said.
Dacia will add full-electric models to its lineup including a battery-electric version of the Sandero, Europe's bestselling car in 2024.
Renault Group's Dacia brand has cut the price of the Spring electric minicar by €2,000 in France and other markets. Leapmotor and VW have also lowered prices for key EVs as new CO2 targets come into effect this year.
