Groupe Renault accelerates electric vehicle strategy

Groupe Renault is accelerating the deployment of its Drive The Future strategic plan with an investment of more than EUR 1 billion (USD 1.16 billion) for the development and production of electric vehicles in France.

With the aim of strengthening the leadership of its French industrial base in the growing electric vehicle market, Groupe Renault plans to:

• Introduce a new Alliance electric platform in Douai to create a second Renault electric vehicle production site;
• Double ZOE production capacity and the launch of a new ZOE at Flins, the only ZOE production site in the world;
• Triple electric motor production capacities at Cleon and introduce a new generation electric motor from 2021.
• Invest in Maubeuge for the production of the next generation of the Kangoo family, including the electric utility vehicle Kangoo Z.E.

In an electric vehicle market with strong potential, the Alliance is the world leader in electric vehicles and Groupe Renault is the leader in Europe. Renault posted 38% growth in electric vehicle sales in Europe, with a 44% increase in ZOE registrations and a 23.8% market share in 2017.

Renault previously announced that it plans to recruit 5,000 employees on permanent contracts in France between 2017 and 2019 and to spend EUR 235 million (USD 272.65 million) on training over the same period. Focused on the future, Renault’s plants are adapting to meet the demands of their customers and the new challenges of the automotive sector.

The Group intends to continue the modernization and digitalization of its French industrial network to ensure a high level of activity at its sites.

“The acceleration of our investments in France for electric vehicles will increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of our French industrial sites. Within the framework of its Drive the Future strategic plan and with the Alliance, Groupe Renault is giving itself the means to maintain its leadership in the electric vehicle market and to continue to develop new sustainable mobility solutions for all,” said Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Renault.

In a related development, Renault has opened a new Renault Electric Vehicle Experience Centre in Berlin, Germany, as it continues to expand its network of urban concept stores. The first EV Experience Centre opened in February in Stockholm to showcase electric motoring to the public.

This new concept store, which is unique in Germany, is a partnership with local distributor Renault Autohaus König. It is located in Berlin’s historic city center near the Gendarmenmarkt square. The aim of the store is to engage with customers and answer frequently asked questions about electric cars while promoting the benefits of driving such vehicles. Visitors can enjoy a physical and digital experience providing information about the brand’s range of electric cars, charging infrastructure and charging systems, local legislation and subsidies, conditions of purchase and EV-related services. Customers will also be able to test drive an electric car and place an order at the store.