Renault boss Luca de Meo claims the firm will become the “greenest brand in Europe” by 2030, promising that nine of 10 cars it sells will feature an electrified powertrain.
The French firm has placed a focus on sustainability and new technology as part of its plans to revive the brand under de Meo’s ‘Renaulution’ growth strategy.
Speaking during a Renault Talks online presentation, de Meo said the “success of the group’s turnaround depends heavily on our ability to reposition the brand for sustainable mobility.” He didn't give specifics on how Renault would become the 'greenest' car firm. Several rivals, such as Volvo, have pledged to become EV-only by 2030, whereas Renault's strategy is a mix of electrified and electric models, depending on market demand.
The push into sustainability is at the heart of the firm’s 'nouvelle vague’ focus, which, de Meo said, was vital to helping revive Renault’s fortunes in the higher-value C- and D-segments.
“This is our way of interpreting modernity,” said de Meo. “More value in our cars, and more value in how we do it. I have a feeling history is coming to us. Society is embracing values that are close to the history of Renault.”
Highlighting Renault’s history of producing both small, practical cars and electric vehicles such as the Zoe, de Meo added: “We are a warm and human brand. We have everything in our DNA to equal what the world is looking for: a more responsible, sober shared model after decades of fast fashion and over-consumption.
“The good news is that we are starting many races if not in pole position, then on the front row of the grid.”
The firm its currently expanding its range of E-Tech hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The current Clio E-Tech hybrid and Captur and Mégane estate plug-in hybrids will be joined this year by hybrid versions of the new Arkana SUV coupé and the Captur, and the saloon version of the Mégane PHEV.
Renault is also developing a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that can be used as the basis for a 197bhp hybrid and 276bhp four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid. Due to arrive in 2024, the new powertrain will be offered on Renault models in the upper segment, particularly the C-SUV sector.
Renault will also launch the Mégane E-Tech Electric crossover later this year, when it will join the Zoe in the firm’s EV line-up.
As well as investing in EV and hybrid technology, Renault is also aiming to boost its sustainability credentials with its Re-Factory circular economy hub that it is develop at its Flins factory. That plant will be able to recycle up to 120,000 vehicles (including EVs) every year. By 2030, Renault has also pledged to be “the world’s best manufacturer” in the percentage of recycled materials it offers in vehicles.
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@mikey, not if the massive Tesla replace a massive v8 Porsche for example
The usual corporate flannel, though to be fair they have been genuine pioneers with the Zoe, a far more environmentally friendly option for urban use than massive Teslas.
They could just say, we used to make some of the best affordable drivers cars in Europe (Alpine, RS Clio, Megan, even Twingo) but we wont do that any more. But we are greener!