PARIS (Standard&Poor's) April 7, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it raised its long-term counterparty credit rating on France-based RCI Banque to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. At the same time, the 'A-2' short-term counterparty credit rating on RCI was affirmed. The outlook is stable. The upgrade follows that today of RCI's parent, France-based automaker Renault S.A., to 'BBB+' from 'BBB' owing to the group's solid trading performance and strongly enhanced financial measures (see the related media release "S&P Raises Renault S.A. LT Rtg To 'BBB+'; Otlk Stable"). "The action on RCI primarily reflects the bank's improved financial performance in 2003-2004, which is expected to be sustained in the years ahead," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Xavier
