Renault Plans Biggest EV Production Center in Europe

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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10th June 2021

Renault claims it will create Europe’s largest EV production center in the shape of it Renault ElectriCity standalone entity.

The automaker has signed an agreement with representative trade unions (CFDT, CFE-CGC, CFTC, CGT, FO and SUD) for the future of its sites in the Hauts-de-France region. The agreement creates Renault ElectriCity, the legal entity wholly owned by Renault SAS which will group together the industrial sites of Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz, totalling nearly 5,000 employees.

Renault hopes to make these plants the most competitive and efficient production unit for electric vehicles in Europe, with 400,000 vehicles produced per year by 2025. It also plans to create 700 permanent jobs between 2022 and the end of 2024, with 350 new hires at the Maubeuge site and 350 new hires spread over the Douai and Ruitz sites. These recruitments will take place within the framework of shared approaches with local employment missions, Pôle Emploi and all the stakeholders in the region.

Renault will also participate in innovation initiatives in partnership with start-ups and specialized entities to support future developments in the automotive world by participating in ‘Incubator’ type initiatives. Finally, Renault will work to demonstrate the advantages of locating both the battery factory project and other partners producing electric vehicle components near its factories.

Luciano Biondo, director of Renault ElectriCity, said: “I am very proud to have contributed to the creation of Renault ElectriCity, a symbol of Renault’s know-how and technological innovation, and to participate to the enhancement of the economic and social attractiveness of Hauts-de-France in Europe. This agreement, signed with all the trade unions, is proof that the commitment of employees, constructive social dialogue and a strong local presence are key to setting up a robust and attractive industrial model.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_