Renault ElectriCity: Europe’s biggest electric car production centre is born

Renault has reorganised its French factories to lay the groundwork for what will become the largest electric vehicle production centre in Europe. The first model born from the initiative will be the new Megane E-Tech Electric, which will roll off production lines later this year.

The company has reorganised its facilities at Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz into the “Renault ElectriCity,” which aims to produce 400,000 electric cars per year by 2025, creating an extra 700 jobs in the process. The move also has the backing of the French trade unions.

Essentially, Renault’s restructure is all about efficiency. The factory in Douai will assemble the company’s electric passenger cars, building the upcoming Megane E-Tech Electric and two more models for the B-segment and C-segment.

We expect the former vehicle will be the reborn Renault 5. The latter could easily be the new Renault 4 crossover, as the brand has confirmed that car will share its CMF underpinnings with the new Megane E-Tech Electric.

Maubeuge will manage production of the new Kangoo for Renault, along with its badge- engineered alternatives for Mercedes and Nissan. The electric version of the panel van will arrive next year. Finally, the Ruitz plant will be dedicated to making electrical components to support the two vehicle production lines.

Renault will use the local universities to set up training courses for its new staff and carry out research and development tasks for its upcoming electric vehicles. The brand will also team up with start-up companies to support its future developments, although the nature of these partnerships is yet to be disclosed.

Luciano Biondo, Director of Renault Ecotricity, said: "I am very proud to have contributed to the creation of Renault ElectriCity, a symbol of Renault's know-how and technological innovation, and to participate to the enhancement of the economic and social attractiveness of Hauts-de-France in Europe.

“This agreement, signed with all the trade unions, is proof that the commitment of employees, constructive social dialogue and a strong local presence are key to setting up a robust and attractive industrial model."

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