Scenic E-Tech electric, finalist for Car of the Year 2024

RENAULT - Renault is proud to reach the final of the European Car of the Year 2024 award. After Austral in 2022 and Megane E-Tech electric in 2021, it is now the turn of Scenic E-Tech electric to be one of the seven finalists. The jury consists of 59 journalists from 22 countries who have carefully assessed 28 models to create a final shortlist of just seven. The winner will be revealed on Monday, February 26th at the Geneva Motor show.

Renault has been writing the Scenic story for 27 years. It was born in 1996 and revolutionised the market by becoming the first compact MPV in European automotive history. The first generation of Scenic won the prestigious Car of the Year award in 1997.

Today it features an all-electric powertrain and is redefining C-segment cars for families, beckoning them to travel while keeping its pioneering and family-friendly DNA. Scenic was designed to be the household’s main car, suitable for long journeys, weekends, as well as holidays. With this fifth generation, Scenic has reinvented itself while retaining its innovative genes, positioning itself as the full electric family vehicle that meets all the needs of a family. Both compact (4.47m) for city driving and roomy for longer journeys, it offers a range of 625 kilometres (WLTP).

Renault has been committed to democratizing and making electric mobility accessible to all for over ten years. Scenic E-Tech blends seamlessly into the brand strategic plan: it is a sustainably designed electric car, brimming with useful and intuitive technology. Building on the success of ZOE, Renault is extending its offer on the C-segment with Megane E-Tech electric and Scenic. They are two key models which could accelerate the uptake of full electric models and continue to establish Renault as a leader in the new era of sustainable mobility.

The new Renault Arkana: more "nouvelle vague" than ever

RENAULT - Unveiled in October 2020 in its European version, Renault Arkana is a shining example of the Renaulution’s success. Renault has sold 163,000 of this distinguished-looking Coupe SUV so far (240,000 in all, including Renault Korea Motors’ XM3) and it is playing a pivotal role in the brand’s plan to reconquer the C-segment, alongside Megane E-Tech electric and Austral.

Arkana has rewritten the rules with its Coupe SUV style combining zip and roominess, and is now selling in markets on several continents – ranging from Australia, New Zealand and Japan to Israel and on to Chile. Its upmarket versions – R.S. Line then E-Tech Engineered – offer extra character and vigour, and have contributed a lot to its success (they account for 53% of the mix in Europe in 2023). The best-selling powertrain is the E-tech full hybrid 145 hp (63% of sales in Europe in the first six months of 2023).

This engine is unparalleled on the market, the driving pleasure it offers is unprecedented and its energy efficiency is outstanding. It is the second criterion buyers look at when choosing a car, behind design1.

1 NCBS survey, FY2022

NEW LOOK

The New Arkana, which Renault is unveiling today, combines an original fluid feel, imposing demeanour and heavy-duty build with Renault’s new identity, to ride even higher on the “Nouvelle Vague”. The Nouvel’R logo is built into the grille, at the centre of the Deep Glossy Black band linking the headlights. This surface is entirely flush and smooth, making it even more elegant.

The Nouvel’R logo’s design provides the basis for the new pattern on the grille – a deliberately unstructured assortment of diamonds reverberating around the one in the middle. A 3D effect on the diamonds’ edges seems to carve them out and add depth. Depending on the trim (Evolution, Techno or Esprit Alpine), these features will be Black, Satin Chrome or Dark Chrome, to underline the shift upmarket. The vertical pattern on the upper grille makes the overall look more consistent with that on the grille at the base of the bumper.

The aerodynamic blade that became an R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered version hallmark is now on the bumper of the line-up’s Techno and Esprit Alpine trims. It is the same colour as the body in the Techno version and Satin Grey in the Esprit Alpine version.

The logo at the centre of the tailgate is Dark Chrome, matching the one at the front as well as the lettering and tailpipes. The lights have ever-so-slightly smoked crystal-like covers to add a modern touch.

The chrome on the decorative features (grille, window rims, etc.) has been replaced by Black, Satin Black or Deep Glossy Black depending on the version.

NEW ESPRIT ALPINE TRIM

Like the other most recent models in Renault’s line-up, the New Arkana now includes a sporty-chic Esprit Alpine trim at the top of the range – which beautifully befits the vehicle’s personality.

One of the exterior features is the Satin Gry blade on the front bumper. Another is the Shale Grey badge nestled in Deep Glossy Black on the wing trim. It also comes with new 19-inch openwork wheels that add to its stateliness as much as is sportiness. A new aileron cut to match the roof enhances the tailgate’s aerodynamics.

Inside, the seats are a mixture of Eco Tep (10% bio-sourced materials) and imitation suede (more than in the former R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered high-end models). The seats now come with blue horizontal overstitching and the Alpine logo on the back, and the safety belts with two blue stripes.

The inside of the doors and the steering wheel have red, white and blue stitching and the cladding on the dashboard area facing the front passenger seat is slate-like for an elegant, low-key effect.

Whatever powertrain you choose, the cockpit in the New Arkana Esprit Alpine includes the e-shifter gear stick with no mechanical cabling.

A SIMPLER RANGE AND MORE AMENITIES

The New Arkana line-up has been slimmed down to three trims: Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine.

Evolution now includes navigation as standard in the Renault EASY LINK infotainment system, which also connects wirelessly with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The digital screen on the dashboard still measures 7 inches diagonally but now displays information across a larger area.

In addition to the aerodynamic blade matching the body, Techno has kept the same wheels as the R.S. Line and E-Tech Engineered versions. The logo and lettering at the rear are Satin Chrome.

This line-up is introducing a new body colour, Midnight Blue, and comes with the same choice of powertrains: E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp and petrol mild hybrid 140 hp and 160 hp.

THE E-TECH FULL HYBRID 145 HP POWERTRAIN WITH E-SAVE MODE

The driving pleasure from the E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp powertrain is like nothing else: it is as smooth in electric mode as it is vigorous and efficient. It interlinks two electric motors (a 36 kW main motor and an 18 kW High-Voltage Starter Generator) with a 4-cylinder 1.6 litre 69 kW (94 hp) petrol engine, a smart multi-mode clutch-less dog box and a 1.2 kWh battery.

The gearbox manages 4 ratios on the petrol engine and 2 ratios on the main electric motor. With the E-Tech full hybrid powertrain, in other words, you have up to 14 possible combinations between the engine and motor to optimise energy efficiency.

The car invariably starts in electric mode and can run on the electric motor alone for up to 80% of the time in cities, which cuts consumption by up to 40% compared to a standard petrol engine. This high-efficiency powertrain’s CO2 emissions can be as low as 105 g/km, which is outstanding in the category. Besides enjoying the silence in electric mode, you can enjoy the convenience of driving without stopping to charge the battery.

The New Arkana’s E-Tech full hybrid 145 hp powertrain includes e-save feature. You can select it on the vehicle’s centre screen in the vehicle’ settings, or via the driving mode in versions that come with MULTI-SENSE settings, and it keeps the battery’s charge at 40% at least, so you have that extra backup to keep on driving in electric mode if you need to, or to assist the engine on steep uphill slopes.

AN ENJOYABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

The New Arkana is built on the CMF-B modular platform developed by the Alliance. This platform has been praised for the efficiency and driving pleasure it affords, its outstanding versatility, its high-performance handling and its great comfort.

In addition to the car’s reassuring road hold, the New Arkana’s rear wheels adjust to keep it remarkably steady when you negotiate bends at high speeds. Lateral movement is limited, even on the jaggedest of roads. The precise and direct steering boost the chassis’ performance, and the short kerb-to-kerb turning diameter (11.2 metres) adds to its agility.

ORDERING

The New Renault Arkana will be available for ordering starting in summer 2023, depending on the country.

Renault comes back on the podium, first brand in France and second in Europe

RENAULT GROUP - The Renault brand sold a total of 770,807 cars (PC & LCV) to customers worldwide in the first half 2023 (+11%).

In Europe, unit sales in the first half of 2023 increased by 21% to 501,985 units (PC & LCV). As in 2022, the brand shows significant progress in the high-value segments – the growing electrified** market, the C-segment, the retail market and the LCV business. 

Growth in the electrified market

The strong growth in HEV sales (+40%) with 83,000 units drives the Renault brand’s progress on the electrified ramp – up – overall sales  up 17%  to 132,500 cars.   Austral with 65% sales on HEV versions and Arkana with 55% sales HEV have made a significant contribution to this success.

Megane E-Tech electric, which is going on sale in a full year in 2023, reached more than 23,000 sales in the first semester. It is the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment in France. Megane accounts for nearly 50% of our EV sales, which totalled 48,000 units. From the second half of 2023, Megane will go international, with sales starting in Turkey and Brazil.

Growth in the high-value business

The C-segment model range accounts for ever-larger share of Renault brand sales: with unit sales of some 136,195 vehicles, the volume rose by 42%.

Renault Austral accounted for a large share of this success with 39,495 sales in H1 2023, Renault Arkana is progressing, with 41,821 sales in H1 2023.

Despite the persistent supply constraints , Renault achieves its retail target and maintains it at an optimised level, with more than one out of two vehicles sold to private customers. The retail mix reaches 51% in H1 2023, which is +8 points vs market average (43%). 

Growth in the LCV market 

Renault continues to outperform on the LCV market with a double-digit sales growth. Worldwide sales reached 186,000 units (+21.5%), and in Europe the sales increased by 25.4% to 144,250 units, in a market up 11.7%.

This dynamic performance was driven by the success of our flagship products, Kangoo (+11.7%), Express (+48.9%), Master (+13.8%) and Trafic (+36%), all leaders in their segments.

The Brand is also above the trend in LATAM (+19%), with 27,833 units, in a market up 11.9% thanks to the good performances of Oroch (+36.8%), Kangoo (+21.9%) and Master (+15.9%).

As pioneer in electrified commercial vehicles for 12 years with Kangoo and Master, the brand will continue this momentum with the launch of Trafic Van E-Tech and the unveiling of a new multi-energy van before the end of the year.

We got off to a good start this year, and the efforts we've made have put us back into second place in Europe. This is the result of the success of Austral and Megane E-Tech electric and the commitment of our network and renault team. We will accelerate in the second semester with the All-new Espace, the new Clio and the new Arkana.
Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Executive Officer, Renault brand

TOTAL SALES PC+LCV

* Perimeter = w/o Russia

RANKING 15 MAIN MARKETS – FIRST SEMESTER 2023*

* Perimeter = Renault+RKM and PC+LCV

The New Clio test drives, leading the charge with the E-Tech full hybrid engine

RENAULT GROUP - The Renault Clio has been an uninterrupted hit since its launch in 1990 – and 16 million of them have been sold worldwide so far! It has been named France’s favourite car, become an international bestseller and won two Car of the Year awards in Europe. It has been one of the most emblematic city cars in the market for five generations. And it has now reinvented itself, becoming a perfect illustration of the Renault brand’s “Nouvelle Vague” brimming with its latest breakthroughs. 

Its new style is even more compelling and elegant, and its chic and distinguished interior is ushering in a new cycle with the first rendering of the brand’s new design language. The new technical front radiates vigour, the light signature has been completely revamped and channels the brand’s identity, and the new taut, exact and efficient lines give this New Clio a more striking character and make it a vibrant status symbol with a more emotional feel.  

Constantly changing with the times, it comes with a wider choice of powertrains than any other car in its category, so everyone can choose the configuration that best matches their needs. Originally offered with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, Clio has progressively adapted its offer to constantly meet its customers’ needs and expectations, as they seek vehicles with greater fuel-efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. In 2020, for the first time ever, Clio released an electrified hybrid powertrain, now essential.

Today, the New Clio embodies the same philosophy to stay true to the times and offer something for a wide range of customers, both private and professional, meeting all their specific needs: a range of engines (petrol, diesel, LPG…), buoyed by one of the brand’s key assets: the E-Tech full hybrid 145 HP engine. It combines driving pleasure and fuel economy, with a standard fuel economy of 4.2 L/100 km. New Clio will come in a choice of trims including the new Esprit Alpine trim. 

In an effort to feature best-in-class connectivity, the New Clio features a vast array of on-board technologies for easy driving and the sort of digital experience customers are used to in their daily lives.

Clio has enjoyed constant success. It is the world’s best-selling French car and a category leader in Europe. The New Clio underscores its modern edge as it unveils a new, expressive front end. The E-Tech full hybrid powertrain under the bonnet is a pleasure to drive, emits less, and has greater range: 145 HP, as little as 95g CO2/km and 4.2L/100 km*. Ideal technology for customers seeking to renew their diesel vehicles.
Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand

There is a real love story with the Clio in France and all around the world actually. So we wanted to celebrate the core values of this icon, and bring it to a next level by transforming it. We kept in mind the need of homogeneity, and the idea of projecting it into the future, with a more technological design, while keeping its human touch. The New Clio is the successful fusion of generous shapes, sculpted volumes, sharp lines and graphics.
Gilles Vidal, VP Design, Renault Brand

The All-new Renault Rafale: conquering new horizons

RENAULT GROUP - Rafale is a French word that evokes wind, and is also an aeronautical reference. Aviation has played an important part in Renault’s history: the Caudron-Renault Rafale, which flew at a record-breaking 445 km/h in 1934, is only one example.

The All-new Renault Rafale is the first production vehicle entirely designed according to the new visual language that Gilles Vidal has brought in as head of Design Renault. It is ushering in a new era in Renault’s design: it is visionary, daring, perfectly in tune with its time and tailor-made for a period when everything is moving ever faster and only avantgarde models will stay attractive throughout their life cycle.

The All-new Renault Rafale also features up-to-the-minute connectivity and a 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid powertrain that is as efficient as it is frugal and uses recycled materials.

It was born to take driving pleasure to ever new heights and will be enhanced with technological breakthroughs that will rank it high up in the high-performance automotive universe with a new E-Tech 4x4 300 hp powertrain.

Renault has crafted its DNA around optimal driving pleasure – but not the self-centred kind: pleasure that the driver enjoys alongside passengers in a “car for life and living.” Driving pleasure is a priority, but never at the expense of passengers, who have plenty of space and amenities to enjoy as well. The All-new Renault Rafale is a gratifying SUV coupe, it looks as vibrant as it feels when you drive it, and it is an opportunity to share an intense driving experience with your friends or kids – however grown-up they may be.

The All-new Renault Rafale 200 hp E-Tech full hybrid will reach markets in spring 2024.

The All-new Renault Rafale is central in the Renaulution, symbolises our move upmarket and shows that we belong in every customer segment. With its captivating coupe-SUV design crafted for intense experiences, it provides unprecedented driving pleasure with its hybrid powertrains and a standard-setting chassis brimming with passion and know-how from Renault engineers.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault brand

The All-new Rafale is a powerful illustration of the Renault brand's new design language. It is in keeping with its DNA through generous curves, treated with great precision, combined with lines of tension and technical details that bring character and sophistication to the whole. With its unprecedented style, quality craftsmanship and proportions, the All-new Renault Rafale asserts its power and personality on the road.

Gilles Vidal, VP Design, Renault brand

Renault Kangoo, best-seller electric vehicle for its segment since 2011

RENAULT GROUP - Renault Kangoo has played an important and sometimes little-known role in aiding Renault develop expertise in electric vehicles.

While Renault began exploring the idea of electric vans back in 1985 with an EV version of the Renault Express running on nickel-zinc batteries, this ambition became a reality in the early 2000s with the Renault Kangoo.

Renault Kangoo served as a testing ground for future electric vehicles and was available in electric (Kangoo Electri’cité) and hybrid (Kangoo Elect’road) versions as early as 2002.

These small-scale runs helped the brand build up real expertise in EV design, industrialization, and especially maintenance. At the time, a team of flying doctors would travel out to each customer to analyse, maintain, and improve those models already in circulation.

In 2011, when it was marketed to the general public, Renault Kangoo Z.E became the first full-electric vehicle to earn the title of ‘International Van of The Year’, thereby creating a segment for electric vans.

Renault now leverages its years of experience and intensive use by professionals to design a new, high-performance Kangoo E-Tech electric market-leading range.

Since then, this model has become the best-selling electric vehicle in history, with over 90,000 units produced at the Maubeuge factory in France. If we add the electric vehicles produced for partners, the figure rises to 100,000 units!

Kangoo is available in an E-Tech electric version for both business and private customers, in 2 lengths, with a floor cab, van or passenger car, and can be customised ad infinitum thanks to more than 350 Renault Pro+ certified converters.

TIBCO, OWNER OF THE 90,000TH ELECTRIC RENAULT KANGOO

Well before electric vehicles became the focal point of regulatory and economic concerns as is the case today, certain loyal customers had already chosen to shift their fleets to something more environmentally friendly and innovative.

One good is example is TIBCO, a company specialised in eco-friendly digital services.

The company is currently renewing its fleet of 960 vehicles with 50% electric models, including 198 Renault ZOE, 29 Kangoo E-Tech electric, and 28 Megane E-Tech electric.

Strong EV-centred partnerships with companies like TIBCO are very important because they help Renault to develop further expertise in electric vehicles.

Providing fleets designed for long-term, regular, and intensive use, while receiving transparent and consistent feedback is a significant advantage that has helped and continues to help the brand focus on the quality of its vehicles and thus maintain its position as segment leader.

MAUBEUGE, EXCELLENCE HUB AT THE HEART OF THE ELECTRICITY

Since 1997, Renault’s Maubeuge factory located in Hauts-de-France (Northern France), has been making Kangoo for the entire world.

Along with the sites in Douai and Ruitz, the factory forms the new ElectriCity hub – Europe’s largest and most competitive electric vehicle production hub, through which Renault plans to produce 480,000 electric vehicles per year by 2025.

As part of its efforts to industrialize the latest passenger and utility versions of the All-new Kangoo, as well as vehicles by partners Mercedes and Nissan, while guaranteeing top-quality production, Renault has invested €450 million in the plant and installed a new battery assembly workshop.

The electric motor and chargers on the All-new Electric Kangoo E-TECH are all made at Renault's Cléon plant in Normandy (north-west of Paris).

To support the success of the Renault Kangoo in its various versions and the industrialisation of the future electric Renault 4, the Maubeuge plant has confirmed a first wave of recruitment of 200 permanent employees in 2023. These recruitments are part of the social agreement "for the future of Renault sites in the Hauts de France" signed by all the trade unions on 08th of June 2021, at the time of the creation of the ElectriCity industrial cluster. A total of 350 direct jobs have been announced for the site between now and 2024.

The Maubeuge factory employs 2,500 employees.