PARIS (Reuters) - Renault (EPA:RENA) expects to benefit this year from higher car prices and easing raw material costs, Chief Financial Officer Thierry Pieton said on Thursday as the French carmaker prepares to launch 10 models in 2024.
"We are making good ground in terms of cost production and raw materials," he said in a call with analysts after releasing 2023 results on Wednesday, although the positive effect of car prices will be lower than in 2023.
Raw material costs improved in the second half of last year, he said.
The comments come as European carmakers struggle to compete with cheaper Chinese electric vehicle rivals and face slowing demand as people rein in spending due to higher borrowing costs.
Planned launches include two fully electric cars, the Scenic and the R5, and two hybrids.
Shares in Renault hit two-month highs on Thursday, with investors welcoming a big jump in dividend as it joined other carmakers in paying out more cash to investors.