Revealed at the 1981 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Renault 9 completed Renault’s offering in a key segment of the European market. The model was intended for customers looking for a versatile, family car with limited running costs. The Renault 9 marked the start of a truly global product policy at Renault. Designed for the European market, the car’s economic qualities gave it international prospects, offsetting the second oil crisis. The Renault 9 was produced throughout the world, including in the US under the name “Renault Alliance”. A panel of judges made up 52 European journalists made the model “Car of the Year 1982”