Renault Chooses Geely In The Latest ICE And Hybrid Machine Development Partnership

Renault Austral E-Tech (source: Renault Group)

Renault, a vehicle manufacturer from France, announced a partnership with Geely in a joint venture to develop the latest combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid. This is done so that older models have better competitiveness with some of the latest vehicles.

The effort aims to develop more efficient gasoline engines and hybrid systems and become a bridge in the transition to full electrification and a response to slowing EV sales.

"Combination of various powertrain technologies is needed to achieve successful decarbonization in a world where more than half of the vehicles produced are expected to still rely on combustion engines by 2040," Renault and Geely said.

FORt's joint venture is the core element of Renault's strategy to remain competitive against larger competitors by signing various partnerships to reduce costs and access new markets.

For Geely, this deal expands the pattern of building partnerships to expand its reach outside China. Previously, the manufacturer also announced a deal with Mercedes-Benz in the development of hybrid engines.

A number of manufacturers have started showing off their own developed hybrid technology. Previously, BYD showed off the latest Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) technology with low fuel consumption.

Returning to Renault, the manufacturer with the muliant' logo is reportedly working with other Chinese companies in developing affordable electric cars in the European market.

Reportedly, this manufacturer will launch its newest generation electric car at a price of under 20,000 euros (Rp. 352.7 million). Further style-structuring and engineering projects are underway in France, while the production of the car will be in Europe. Renault's electric vehicle division, Ampere, will lead the project.

The French manufacturer stated that the decision to choose Chinese partners to develop affordable electric cars was taken independently. Renault partnered with a Chinese company to accelerate the process of developing electric vehicles.

Renault CEO Luca de Meo said late last year that the car, dubbed the electric version of Twingo, would be assembled in Europe, to be precise in Slovenia.