Although Toyota still exhibited its Prius hybrid at the 2010 Paris Autumn Motor Show, Renault announced on September 3 that it would abandon the manufacture of hybrid vehicles. Because hybrid systems are suitable for rugged mountainous terrain or cargo transport, they are only popular in the United States. Furthermore, because they are not environmentally friendly, Renault decided to shift its efforts to the electric vehicle market.
Renault Vice President Patrick Pélata stated, "Considering price factors, the average selling price of a new car in Germany is currently €20,000. Although hybrid vehicles can save 10% to 15% on fuel, they are only transitional equipment. Currently, in accordance with the government's environmental protection plan, only electric vehicles can achieve a reduction of nearly half in carbon dioxide emissions. It is estimated that the number of electric vehicles will triple to 2 billion by 2025, while hybrid vehicles will not be able to meet the government's target."
Renault now sees Japan's Mitsubishi as its biggest competitor and expects to surpass Mitsubishi to become the world's leading electric vehicle brand, with plans to produce 150,000 to 200,000 electric vehicles in 2012.
Renault's manufacturing plant is located in Bursa, Turkey's largest city. Renault Vice President Patrick Pélata stated, "Starting in 2011, we will ship several thousand electric vehicles, with plans to produce 30,000 electric vehicles thereafter. Other electric vehicle models will be manufactured in Maubeuge, in northern France."
According to Vice President Patrick Pélata, Renault's customer Better Place has already built a battery swapping and charging plant in Israel. Renault has also shipped several prototype units; the automotive batteries were jointly developed by Renault Group's Japanese partners Nissan and NEC.
Source: Frankfurt Broadcasting
