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-about.
Renault goals to supply electrical automobiles (EVs) at costs corresponding to conventional combustion-engine fashions to compete with Chinese language carmakers getting 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 venture, and Renault is now exploring the potential for sharing the Twingo’s platform with Volkswagen.
The electrical Twingo will probably be primarily based on a shortened model of the AmpR Small structure, just 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 venture independently if essential. In the meantime, Volkswagen can also be working to introduce reasonably priced small battery-electric automobiles, aiming for a value 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, probably named the ID1, is anticipated to enhance the upcoming ID2 hatchback. Thomas Schaefer, VW model CEO, expressed openness to partnerships to realize aggressive pricing.
Switching to electrical drivetrains presents a chance for automakers to re-enter smaller segments if prices will be managed successfully.
Renault goals to realize a price discount of as much as 40% for the brand new electrical Twingo by way of numerous measures akin to components discount, streamlined manufacturing processes, and reasonably priced battery chemistries. Price-saving methods from the Twingo venture 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 automobile producers have usually been instrumental in growing small metropolis automobiles, combining experience and sources to create environment friendly and reasonably priced automobiles 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 growth.
One other occasion is the collaboration between Fiat and Ford within the manufacturing of small metropolis automobiles. 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 corporations to enter the small automobile phase with aggressive choices.
Equally, the partnership between Mitsubishi and Sensible led to the event of the Sensible ForFour and Mitsubishi Colt.