Sales Slump, Nissan Problems Hurt Renault

The French carmaker no longer expects growth in sales this year amid an overall slowdown in the auto industry.

This Jan.24, 2019, file photo shows Jean-Dominique Senard after his appointment as Renault chairman at a board meeting in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
This Jan.24, 2019, file photo shows Jean-Dominique Senard after his appointment as Renault chairman at a board meeting in Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
AP Photo/Christophe Ena, File

PARIS (AP) — French carmaker Renault is cutting back its sales forecasts amid slumping revenues and troubles at alliance partner Nissan.

Renault said Friday that it no longer expects growth in sales this year compared to 2018, when it sold 3.9 million cars. It blamed an overall slowdown in the auto industry.

Sales in the first half this year were down 6.4% to 28 billion euros ($31 billion). Renault reported that overall profit fell by half to 970 million euros because of weakness at Nissan, in which it owns a 43% stake.

Renault noted declining demand for diesel vehicles amid tougher emissions rules, and said sales were hurt by resumed U.S. sanctions on Iran.

Nissan announced Thursday it was slashing 12,500 jobs and production capacity amid tumbling profits.

Renault and Nissan have had a rough year since the arrest of former star CEO Carlos Ghosn.

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