By Greentech Lead Team: Automobile major Renault is
planning to produce electric vehicles in China and sell more luxury vehicles.
According to Renault website, it aims to become the first full-range car
manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles in use, available to the greatest
number.
“The Chinese government said recently that it is not
possible to increase capacities or set up in China without bringing certain innovations.
We know that we need to bring the electric vehicle to China. This could be done
through the Renault brand or another marquee,” said Renault chief executive
Carlos Ghosn.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing a complete
range of 100 percent electric powertrains with power ratings of between 15kW
(20hp) and 100kW (140hp).
Renault said that by mid-2012, a zero-emission
compact car, ZOE (close to ZOE Preview), will be launched. Measuring less
than four meters long and with five seats it will be ideal for commuting
to work.
Beyond 2012, Renault will continue to extend its electric
car range to cover all segments.
Renault will also give customers access to innovative
services making electric vehicle use easier and to advanced battery technology
currently under development by the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Renault is currently working on a number of fronts in
preparation for the launch of its range of zero-emission vehicles in use:
In R&D, a 4 billion euros investment has been
made on electric cars as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Moreover,
partnerships are being formed with mobility operators worldwide.
Renault net profit reached 2.09 billion euros in 2011.
However, it sold just 24,000 cars in China, a fraction of the 2.72 million
vehicles sold across the globe in 2011.
Beside green cars, the automaker is eyeing more luxury car sales in China as it
moves to renew its fleet from 2014.
Chinese media has speculated that the French group could set up production in
central China’s Wuhan, where homegrown carmaker Dongfeng has a factory.
Dongfeng is already working with Nissan, which is controlled by Renault.
Foreign companies are required to have a local partner in order to produce in
China. The group’s commercial director Jerome Stoll had said last month that he
is hoping for a deal this year, for production to begin in China from 2014.