On Wednesday (January 17) the French auto giant reported annual global sales volumes rose 9% last year.

The firm's namesake brand saw sales increase by close to a tenth.

While shipments at its low-cost brand Dacia grew by nearly 15%.

Europe was a hotspot for the firm, and made up 63% of last year's sales.

Electrified models also proved popular - with volumes rising 40%, slightly up from a year before.

The group has dealt with years of disruption from the global health crisis and Ukraine war.

Volumes dropped nearly 6% in 2022, largely due to chip shortages.

The sales slump was made worse by its exit from the Russian market.

To boost sales, Renault shrank its vehicle range and refocused on its most profitable markets and models.

Looking ahead, the automaker said it expected the strong performance to continue through this year.

Shares in the firm were down around 2% in early trades on Wednesday.

Stocks in European automakers were hit after Tesla slashed prices of its Model Y electric cars in Germany.