Renault SA has announced plans to manufacture electric vans at its Sandouville facility in northern France through its joint venture, Flexis SAS. This strategic move is part of Renault's initiative to compete with industry rivals like Stellantis NV. The carmaker is set to recruit 550 new permanent and fixed-term employees over the next four years at the plant, which currently has a workforce of about 1,850 individuals. In addition, Renault will inject an extra €300 million ($324 million) into the site, further solidifying its commitment to local production and job creation in the region.
Renault's CEO, Luca de Meo, has been actively driving efforts to bolster domestic manufacturing in the midst of a rapidly transforming automotive landscape. The introduction of the new electric R5 model – with an affordable starting price of approximately €25,000 – further underscores Renault's dedication to expanding its electric vehicle portfolio and production capabilities within France. The upcoming electric van models, to be added to Renault's existing lineup of light commercial vehicles such as the Kangoo, will play a crucial role in advancing the company's electrification strategy.
In collaboration with Volvo AB and CMA CGM SA, Renault unveiled plans for the Flexis joint venture last October, with each participant committing €300 million over the next three years to develop a range of vans and associated services. Production at the newly fortified Sandouville facility is slated to commence in 2026, marking a significant milestone in Renault's quest to strengthen its position in the electric vehicle market.
Renault's proactive approach towards electric vehicle production in France stands in contrast to the challenges faced by Stellantis NV in Italy, where recent tensions with the Italian government have led to the announcement of potential job cuts. By expanding its local manufacturing capabilities and investing in innovative electric vehicle technology, Renault is not only positioning itself as a key player in the evolving automotive landscape but also contributing to the growth and sustainability of the French automotive industry.
The concerted efforts of Renault's leadership, in conjunction with its partners in the Flexis project, highlight the company's commitment to driving forward the electrification of its vehicle range and reinforcing its presence in the competitive global automotive market. The forthcoming press conference on April 3 in Boulogne-Billancourt, led by Renault's CEO Luca de Meo, Volvo's CEO Martin Lundstedt, and CMA CGM's CEO Rodolphe Saadé, will serve as a platform to showcase the collaborative efforts and innovative developments driving the future of electric vehicle production in France and beyond.