In light of a substantial growth in sales in the first half of this year after 2008's loss and 2009's profitability, Renault is planning to import five new models to the Chinese market early next year, Robert Chan, president of Renault's Greater China division, said recently.

The five models to be introduced to China are the Clio, Wind, Scenic, Grand Scenic and Fluence. It is reported that these models will be displayed at the Guangzhou Auto Show at the end of this year and then be launched in China in December this year or January next year.

China's passenger-car sales growth slowed in the first six months of this year as inflation accelerated. However, Renault China sales hit a record high of 5,779 vehicles over the same period last year including pre-order sales of 9,241 units, beating last year's total annual sales, and are set to double 2009's figure in no time.

"Now that sales of Renault's SUV models doubled in China in the first half 2010, many dealers should come to join our dealer network in the second half, increasing Renault's market share with no doubt," Robert Chan said, adding that Renault China's tight capacity situation will ease after October, along with a better performance in sales in the second half. Renault China currently has an inventory of few weeks.

In addition, contruction of the Shanghai spare parts storage, jointly funded by Renault, Nissan and Dongfeng Motor, will be completed in the second half, which will greatly lower prices of the spare parts and bolster Renault's long-term development in China, Robert Chan revealed.