6

Renault is seeking to position itself as a technology, service and clean energy brand, with a plan to launch 14 new models with electrified powertrains by 2025.

The ‘Renaulution’ programme aims to shift Groupe Renault’s focus from volumes to profitability.

Showcasing the French car maker’s new direction is a retro-styled electric city car that is based on Renault’s popular 5 model.

It draws on the recent popularity of models like the Honda e and Fiat 500, which offer a modern zero-emission package with styling cues inspired by historic models.

Renault says the 5 Prototype demonstrates how it will democratise electric cars in Europe, offering a modern take on one of the most popular and essential cars of its era.

There will be seven new pure electric models from the brand between now and 2025 – with a further seven offering hybrid engines.

Luca de Meo, CEO of Groupe Renault, said: “At Renault, we embrace the waves of disruption and create our own ‘Nouvelle Vague’. It’s about bringing modernity to the automotive industry.

“We’ll move to an energy brand, strengthening our EV leadership with the Electro Pole project and investing in Hydrogen, aiming at achieving the greenest mix in Europe by 2025.

“We’ll also be a tech brand, through in-house innovation and through the Software République, an open ecosystem dedicated to develop a European expertise in key fields such as data or cybersecurity.

“This will give us a competitive edge as a service brand, with high-tech connected services, onboard and offboard. And this vision of modernity, we anchor it in France. Because as a brand, we know our soul and our strength lie in our origins.

“The new R5 is the Nouvelle Vague: it’s strongly connected to its history, and yet it’s the future, making electric cars popular.”