On April 7, 2005, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services 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 Research Update "France-Based Renault S.A. LT Rating Raised To 'BBB+' On Strong Performance; Outlook Stable" on RatingsDirect). 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. Increased business volumes and revenue generation efforts, associated