Renault: Two new electric models will be produced in Spain

Renault has confirmed an investment of 600 million euros in Spain to produce five new models, including two electric ones. Some vehicles currently manufactured in France will be moved to production outside the Pyrenees.

Renault plans to invest 600 million euros in Spain by 2030 to start producing five new vehicles, two of which will be electric. This would mark the first time the manufacturer has produced vehicles there in its 75 years of operation beyond the Pyrenees.

This confirms a necessary evolution in the strategy. The former boss of Losange, Luca de Meo, had emphasized French production for electric vehicles. The Douai plant was converted to assemble Mégane, Scénic, and R5 models (as well as derivatives from partner brands), while Maubeuge handles the R4.

But between the success of these vehicles and the accelerating electrification of the European market, Renault can no longer assemble all its electric models in France.

The investment in Spain relates to the factories in Valladolid and Palencia. The first handles the Captur and Symbioz models, while the second produces the family SUV line (Austral, Espace, Rafale). Logically, Palencia will manufacture the models that will replace them, using the new “RGEV medium” platform. One of these models will succeed the electric Scénic, which will thus be moved from France to Spain. This move will free up capacity at the Douai plant, which is operating at full capacity due to the success of the R5 and needs to produce a new electric Ford based on the Losange city car.

"In a difficult environment for the industry, Renault Group is showing its commitment to its Spanish plants," said Christian Stein, CEO of Renault Groupe Espagne. However, the negotiations were tense, with Renault threatening not to assign these models as talks with workers stalled.

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