PARIS (AP) -- French carmaker Renault SA says its sales grew 14 percent last year to record levels, largely on the back of strong demand in emerging markets.
The company sold 2.6 million vehicles last year, the most ever and more than management had forecast, with growth in all regions. That's up from 2.3 million vehicles in 2009.
The carmaker said Monday it will continue pursuing growth in "buoyant markets" outside Europe. It says it will launch its range of electric vehicles in the second half of the year.
The company has been hit recently by a suspected case of industrial espionage that France's industry minister says appears to involve Renault's electric car program. Renault and its partner Nissan Motor Co. of Japan have invested $4 billion to develop electric cars.