1974 for Citroen, 1987 for Renault, 1991 for Peugeot : THE French manufacturers have left the American car market several decades ago. In the case of Renault, the brand was for some time one of the “most American French women”. Indeed, after importing around 100,000 4CVs, Dauphines and Caravelles (the Florida of France) in the 1950s, Renault partnered with the fourth largest American car group in the 1970s: CMA.

Here is this one joined the Renault group in 1983which took advantage of cross-synergies give away a jeep in its network in Europe (the launch of the Cherokee XJ by Régie), and above all to assemble some of its models in Uncle Sam’s country. LaR9 will thus become Encore, R11 Alliance. The R21 would later be marketed under the Eagle name as the Medallion and the R25 as the Premier. Unfortunately, after falling sales, Renault will leave the American adventure in 1987.

A brand that speaks very little to Americans

Losange has continued ever since explore the United States. The expansionist strategy of Carlos Ghosn did even less to dispel these hopes, which, however, did not materialize. It must be said that the American market has many peculiarities. At a time when ten years ago Renault still offered mostly small models, and especially dieselthis doublet did not exist not at all adapted to the requirements of the American market.

What is sold there is not necessarily sold in Europe, and vice versa. It is necessary big SUVs, big sedans and engines worthy of the name. Features that the Latitude, Koleos and more recently the Kadjar or Espace could have, but what would be the added value of these models in the market? Above all, it was not necessary not to overshadow Nissan’s allyhistorically much better than Renault. Times are changing, and so is the band’s brand today there is a map to play: Alpine.

Alpine, Uncle Sam’s Renault tip

there sports/premium division The Renault group offers only one model in its range: the A110. Who could tempt Americans, given the success of the Nissan 400Z or the Toyota GR86! But this, above all, matters in the future use off-road vehicles, especially electric ones. Two are expected in the coming years: a compact for compete with the Macan, mediator for to compete with the Cayenne. Proof of Alpine’s ambitions in the United States: the brand announced that it takes into account American safety requirements when developing its models (size of bumpers, side reflectors, exhaust system, etc.).

Better, she explained how she was going to sell her models there. There is a brand currently in talks with AutoNationa network of multi-brand dealerships, which sold 229,971 cars in 2022. Two electric Alpine SUVs are expected in 2025 and 2027, respectively. The Norman brand may arrive on the continent in 2025-2026!