Renault Unveils 'futuREady' Strategy: 36 New Models to Propel Future Growth

The French automaker Renault has announced an ambitious strategy named "futuREady" aimed at securing its competitive edge. This innovative roadmap details the company’s vision to become the leading automobile manufacturer in Europe while simultaneously safeguarding against rapidly evolving competitors in China. It builds on a recovery plan launched in 2021 and outlines Renault's operational framework through the end of this decade.

The highlights of this plan are indeed striking. Renault Group plans to introduce 36 new models over the next five years, averaging more than seven new vehicles annually. Of these, 22 will target the European market while 14 will cater to international markets. A significant emphasis will be placed on electric vehicles, with 16 of the new models for Europe slated to be fully electric. This shift aims to ease the transition away from gasoline, although Renault will continue to offer vehicles with conventional engines for now.

Hybrid vehicles will maintain a significant presence in Renault's lineup for the foreseeable future. The company recognizes that many regions still lack substantial EV charging infrastructure, making hybrid technology essential. Renault intends to keep selling hybrids in Europe well beyond 2030. Additionally, the company aims to expand its global presence, targeting annual sales of 2 million vehicles by 2030, with aspirations for 50% of those sales occurring outside Europe. A prime example is the rugged Bridger SUV, set to launch in India to compete with models like the Suzuki Jimny.

Each brand under the Renault umbrella will have distinct objectives. Dacia, renowned for its affordability, will begin incorporating more electric options into its selection. The company projects that by 2030, two-thirds of Dacia’s sales will consist of electrified vehicles, alongside plans to produce larger models in what is referred to as the "C-segment," providing budget-minded consumers with more spacious choices.

Alpine, the performance-focused brand, is set to release a new version of the A110 sports car, which will be fully electric. Notably, Alpine's management, including Philippe Krief, indicated that the vehicle’s architecture is adaptable enough to accommodate a gasoline engine if desired. Alongside this, Alpine is preparing to unveil the A290 and A390 electric cars. However, North American drivers may be disappointed as Renault has opted not to enter the U.S. or Canadian markets for the time being.

A technical cornerstone of this plan involves the introduction of the RG medium 2.0 platform, developed specifically for compact electric vehicles. This cutting-edge platform utilizes 800V charging technology and is designed to reduce production costs by 40%. Lower manufacturing costs typically lead to more affordable prices for consumers. Demonstrating this new technology, Renault has introduced the concept vehicle known as the R-Space Lab, offering a glimpse of what the next Espace model may resemble.

The ambitious performance targets for the upcoming electric vehicles are noteworthy. Renault claims that cars built on this new platform could achieve a range of up to 750 km on a full charge. Additionally, vehicles equipped with a range extender—a small engine that assists the battery—could potentially cover distances up to 1,400 km. The new electric motors are also expected to produce impressive outputs of up to 271 horsepower (275 PS), promising both efficiency and driving enjoyment.

Renault is also revamping its vehicle design process. The company aims to transition towards "software-defined vehicles," enabling most features to update via over-the-air (OTA) updates, eliminating the need for visits to mechanics. Furthermore, Renault plans to incorporate artificial intelligence to manage vehicle systems. Crucially, the automaker seeks to hasten the vehicle design process, aiming to complete designs in just two years to keep pace with fast-moving competitors from China.

Source