Renault sales rise on new models, Lada consolidation

PARIS (Reuters) - Renault said on Thursday its first-quarter revenue rose more than a quarter as the French carmaker launched new models and production deals, and began consolidating Lada sales by Russian affiliate Avtovaz. Revenue increased to 13.13 billion euros (10.98 billion pounds) in January-March from 10.49 billion a year earlier, the company said in a statement. The French manufacturer reiterated 2017 goals including an increase to operating profit and revenue at constant exchange rates. It also lifted its global auto-market growth forecast for the year to 1.5-2.5 percent, from 1.5-2 percent previously. (Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Tim Hepher)