The departure of Luca de Meo for the Kering group could have left Renault in doubt, but according to his replacement, this is not the case. François Provost, former purchasing strategist turned general manager, wants to show that he has a very clear roadmap: continue to invest in 100% electric cars. “ EVs are good for the customer. People won’t go back », he says at TopGear.
Electricity remains the compass
A speech that contrasts with the general atmosphere: in Europe, sales of hybrids are increasing, while electric vehicles are showing a slight inflection. Manufacturers are increasing the number of announcements of hybrid models, cheaper and more reassuring for customers who are still hesitant. But Renault does not have its hand on the brake. For François Provost, the group must capitalize on the lead taken with the R5, R4 and the next electric Twingo, while avoiding moments of hesitation and stagnation which once cost the company dearly. Quality also needs to go up a notch,” at the T », he slips… without mentioning Toyota.
This strategy involves accelerating development. The new Twingo EV, designed in half the time of a classic model, is the standard bearer: it is a more modern vehicle, better equipped and launched early enough to remain competitive. Above all, it costs less than €20,000… A big advantage up Renault’s sleeve, while hybrids are capturing a growing share of purchasing intentions.
The shift towards hybrid will mechanically complicate the task of Renault, which wants to maintain attractive prices for its electrics. The future Twingo EV relies on a more affordable LFP battery, a standard engine and simpler suspension. Enough to stay in the race in the face of Asian competition… François Provost warns, however, that European regulations threaten the economic equation. With 107 new rules in preparation, small cars – both electric and hybrid – risk becoming too expensive to produce, just when hybrids are attracting consumers for their Price/range ratio.
Consequence: if too many customers give up on new vehicles, the vehicle fleet ages, and climate objectives move away. “ The fleet is aging, so there is no decarbonization or improvement in safety. And it’s an entire industrial muscle that is weakening “, he insists. Each closed factory, he recalls, leads to the disappearance of 5,000 to 10,000 jobs. Rather than reducing standards, as requested by certain manufacturers tempted by small electric cars, the boss of Renault is mainly calling for a truce: ten years without new regulations to avoid technological inflation and give engineers a breath of fresh air. Will Europe hear it?
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