Renault and Volkswagen are in discussions about collaborating on a battery-electric minicar for the European market. Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, confirmed the talks on the Geneva auto present, mentioning that different potential companions had been additionally being thought of.
Renault goals to supply electrical autos (EVs) at costs similar to conventional combustion-engine fashions to compete with Chinese language carmakers coming into the European market with reasonably priced EVs.
Renault beforehand introduced plans to launch a full-electric Twingo minicar by 2026, priced beneath €20,000. Talks with a number of automakers had been initiated to search out potential companions for this mission, and Renault is now exploring the opportunity of sharing the Twingo’s platform with Volkswagen.
The electrical Twingo will probably be based mostly on a shortened model of the AmpR Small structure, much like the brand new Renault 5 unveiled on the Geneva present. To cut back prices, Renault is contemplating utilizing inexpensive lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Regardless of the partnership talks, Renault is ready to proceed with the Twingo mission independently if mandatory. In the meantime, Volkswagen can also be working to introduce reasonably priced small battery-electric vehicles, aiming for a worth beneath €20,000. The Citroen e-C3, launched by Stellantis, has set a precedent on this phase. Partnering with Renault might facilitate VW’s plans to succeed its e-Up electrical minicar and associated fashions such because the Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii.
VW’s small EV successor, doubtlessly named the ID1, is anticipated to enrich the upcoming ID2 hatchback. Thomas Schaefer, VW model CEO, expressed openness to partnerships to realize aggressive pricing.
Switching to electrical drivetrains presents a possibility for automakers to re-enter smaller segments if prices could be managed successfully.
Renault goals to realize a value discount of as much as 40% for the brand new electrical Twingo by varied measures equivalent to elements discount, streamlined manufacturing processes, and reasonably priced battery chemistries. Price-saving methods from the Twingo mission will probably be utilized to different Renault fashions, together with the Renault 5 and upcoming Renault 4 small SUV, to decrease their costs over time.
Collaborations amongst automotive producers have usually been instrumental in growing small metropolis vehicles, combining experience and assets to create environment friendly and reasonably priced autos tailor-made to city environments. One notable instance is the partnership between Toyota and PSA Group, which resulted within the Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, and Citroën C1. These fashions shared the identical platform, engines, and parts, permitting for economies of scale and cost-sharing in improvement.
One other occasion is the collaboration between Fiat and Ford within the manufacturing of small metropolis vehicles. The Fiat 500 and Ford Ka had been constructed on the identical platform, with Fiat offering the design and engineering experience, whereas Ford contributed to the event course of. This collaboration enabled each firms to enter the small automotive phase with aggressive choices.
Equally, the partnership between Mitsubishi and Good led to the event of the Good ForFour and Mitsubishi Colt.
