Renault’s group global sales were down 3.2% in the first half of this year, to 1,315,351 units.

European sales totalled 951,339, down 7.9%. However, sales outside Europe increased by 10.5% to 364,012 units.

The French manufacturer’s total revenues saw a slight 0.4% increase on the first half of 2005 to €21.6 billion (£14.7bn).

Renault will launch the new Scenic, Trafic and Master in September. It is also launching the Logan, a new station wagon and a new LCV for non-European markets.

Sales are expected to remain flat at last year’s levels, but Renault is sticking with its forecast for an operating margin of 2.5% at the end of this year.

Next year, Renault will start its product offensive with eight new vehicles. The company said earnings would be mainly driven by cost cutting under its Renault Commitment 2009 plan in all sections of the business.

Forecast expectations for operating margins have been set at 3.0% for 2007, 4.5% in 2008 and 6% in 2009.