On February 10, 2011 Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of Renault, introduced the Group's new strategic plan. Renault 2016 – Drive the Change is founded on Renault’s ambition to make sustainable mobility accessible to all, expressed in the brand tagline, "Drive the Change".
THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE, A GLOBAL STRATEGY
Renault aims to become the first full-range car manufacturer to market zero-emission vehicles in use, available to the greatest number. Electric cars emit no CO2 in use. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing a complete range of 100% electric powertrains with power ratings of between 15kW (20hp) and 100kW (140hp).
Renault to launch electric vehicles in 2011
All the pieces of the puzzle are in place for making a mass-production vehicle in the near future: battery range, optimized energy consumption, and performance and driving pleasure.
Carlos Ghosn, 2008 Paris Motor Show,
For Renault, the electric vehicle is a real long-term solution to today’s environmental and noise pollution issues in cities. Technological innovations now make it possible to mass market an electric vehicle at reasonable cost. In addition, changes in vehicle use make electric cars ideal for the majority of trips, with 87% of Europeans currently driving less than 60 km a day.
Renault will offer a full range of electric vehicles as early as 2011:
Designed for professionals, Kangoo Z.E. went on sale in October 2011, with prices starting at €15,000 (environmental subsidy deducted). Monthly subscriptions covering battery rental will start at €72 before VAT, including assistance.
The family sedan Fluence Z.E. was first launched in Israel (November 2011) and then in other countries. Prices in Europe start at €20,900 (depending on local tax incentives). Customers also subscribe to a monthly battery lease starting at €82 (including VAT), including assistance.
Twizy, a new tandem type of urban vehicle, will be available in two versions (5kW -for drivers without a license, or 15kW motor) with a price tag starting at €6,990 (without tax incentive).
In 2012, a zero-emission compact car, ZOE (close to ZOE Preview), is 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.
The new car for everyday use
For Renault and its customers, electric cars have to be practical, attractive and reassuring:
Electric vehicles will retail at the same price as equivalent diesel models (without the battery, which is rented)
Running costs are roughly 20% lower than an equivalent combustion vehicle since electricity costs much less than petrol (around €1 per 100 km)
Maintenance costs are half those of an equivalent combustion vehicle because electric motors require less servicing
Electric motors offer similar levels of performance as that of gasoline and diesel cars. Regarding acceleration, for example, an electric motor delivers all of its power as soon as it pulls away
Electric cars are easily recharged at home, at special terminals in parking lot areas and at “quickdrop” rapid exchange stations
Electric vehicles are in phase with current public issues. They are silent and because they emit no CO2, or any polluting emissions for that matter, they also respect the environment.
For launch in the near future
See the Renault-Nissan partnerships all around the world
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, an important investment has been made on electric cars as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance
Cooperation with governments on infrastructure development and purchase incentives
Partnerships are being formed with mobility operators worldwide
The cycle of life
Laurens van den Acker, Vice President, Corporate Design and Axel Breun, Director Design of Concept & Showcar in front of DeZir
Laurens van den Acker's biography
Inspired by Renault’s new signature – Drive the Change – and under Laurens van den Acker's direction, the Brand's Design is digging deeper into its roots. Renault's identity, a truly people-centric company, is fully expressed in a new strategy based on the cycle of life.
This vision connects the Brand to its customers by following them throughout life : when they fall in love, head off on a journey, start a family, work, play, and reach wisdom…
Centered around life and the human, the new strategy defines a new stylistic language inspired by three keywords, reflecting the Brand’s vision: simple, sensual and warm. These new formal codes will be reflected in the future cars to be produced by Renault.
Each step of the cycle of life, symbolized by a "petal" in Laurens van den Acker's Design strategy, is illustrated by a concept car.
"DeZir was about our customers falling in love. With Captur, they explore the world and with R-Space, the time has come for them to start a family." - Laurens van den Acker, Vice President, Corporate Design
Emotional design
DeZir, revealed in 2010, first opus of the cycle of life Design strategy
Discover the Renault concept cars
Captur and R-Space, the two concepts revealed at the Geneva 2011 motor show
Frendzy, introduced at the Frankfurt 2011 motor show, "work" phase of the strategy
After paving the way with DeZir and revealing Captur and R-Space in Geneva, Renault continues to unveil its Design strategy, one of the levers of Renault 2016 - Drive the Change.
First project managed by Laurens van den Acker and revealed during the 2010 Paris Motor show, DeZir illustrates the "falling in love" phase of the cycle of life. This sporty concept car is a statement of Renault’s commitment to a more emotional design. With its blood red color and sensual profile, DeZir is a pure expression of passion for cars. Driven by an electric motor, DeZir reconciles environmental protection and automotive elegance.
Captur takes as its basis the fundamental design language introduced with the DeZir concept car, while adding a more technical dimension – more functional but still highly sensuous. Revealed in February 2011, when Renault 2016 - Drive the Change was announced, the concept car inaugurates the "Explore" phase of the new Design strategy.
Third phase of the cycle of life, R-Space brings together qualities long-considered as opposed, namely family friendliness and sportiness, functionality and sensuality. It answers the expectations of a large proportion of our modern society.
Frendzy symbolizes the work phase of the strategy. It is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporting and warmly welcoming for the family. It is 100% electric and features a 37-inch widescreen display, a roof made out of fabric that adapts to the shape of bulky objects and center opening doors.
