Renault invests in French EV production and opens new German store

19 June 2018

Renault is to accelerate its ′Drive the Future’ strategic plan with a large investment for the production of electric vehicles in France.

The company is looking to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle (EV) market across both the passenger vehicle and light commercial vehicle segments. Therefore, the manufacturer is to invest more than €1 billion into its plans to strengthen its French industrial base.

Renault plans to introduce a new Alliance electric platform in Douai to create a second Renault electric vehicle production site; double Zoe production capacity in time for the launch of a new generation at its plant in Flins; triple electric motor production capabilities at Cleon and introduce a new generation electric motor from 2021; and invest in Maubeuge for the production of the next generation of the Kangoo family, including the electric utility vehicle Kangoo Z.E.

Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault, said: ′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’.

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. The carmaker previously announced that it plans to recruit 5,000 employees on permanent contracts in France between 2017 and 2019 and to spend €235 million on training over the same period.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer 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 centre near the Gendarmenmarkt square. The store aims 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.

Gilles Normand, SVP Electric Vehicles Business, Groupe Renault said: ′More and more motorists are taking a close interest in electric vehicles, but they still know little about them. As Europe’s most successful EV brand to-date, Renault’s objective is consequently to go out and meet these customers, address their questions and ease the switch for those who decide to make the step to an electric life.’