The effects of the arrival of Chinese groups in Europe are still beginning to be felt. A landing that will mean a tough fight in the volume segment where European brands have given up fighting for the time being, but which reports indicate will change. Brands such as Renault produce offers for less than 23,000 euros to try to survive.
The idea is to sell the third generation of cars, which will be characterized by their competitive price. The reaction of Chinese groups, but also to Volkswagen’s project to put on sale the ID.1, with which it will enter fully into this unprofitable but important segment.
According to Renault CEO Luca de Meo, a major inspiration for the project are Japanese “kei” microcars, whose size and performance are strictly regulated. , I like the idea of ​​translating the Japanese concept of kei-cars to a European language Meo said at a program of the Financial Times. , I think there is some intelligence in this kind of concept because it is not just about a product. This product is subject to plus regulations to allow efficient and eco-friendly mobility,
According to the report, the new model will be based on the CMF-BEV platform, which will be used in the upcoming Renault 5 and the sportier Alpine A290. There is also a possibility that the new budget model will be based on the shorter Dacia Spring, which will save on some design and development aspects.
According to De Meo: «I think being able to produce a D-segment or A-segment car with less impact is probably one of the solutions that European industry can offer.”
As we remember, Renault already has an offering in the segment with Twingo Electric. An urban model but one that has a very reasonable mileage, barely 21 kWh battery, and claimed autonomy of 190 km which also has an unpopular price, From 28,000 Euros.
Details are not yet known about the low-cost model to be launched by Renault, which will have the challenge of being able to fit a smaller body, at a competitive price with smaller sales margins. But otherwise, Renault will have to give up some of the access segments that have been the bedrock of its growth, and which now need to reinvent themselves to retain their market share in the face of the Chinese challenge.
Going forward, Renault has four years to launch a 20% cheaper model than the Twingo, which will also have an obligation to offer a better technical, aesthetic, and equipment proposition than the current one.
