French automaker Renault is set to add a substantial investment of $320 million into its assembly plant located in Sandouville, northern France. Reuters reports that the investment aims to facilitate the production of new-generation electric vans, slated to roll off the assembly lines starting in 2026.
The investment will not only boost Renault's manufacturing capabilities but also contribute to job creation in the region. Renault plans to add 550 new employees to its existing workforce of 1,850 at the Sandouville plant over the next four years.
This expansion aligns with Renault's broader strategy to enhance local output and strengthen its industrial footprint amidst ongoing transformations in the automotive industry.
"A new era is beginning at Sandouville, with the production of a new generation of electric LCVs that will transform the logistics of the future with their revolutionary design," said Thierry Charvet, Chief Industry & Quality Officer, Renault Group.
"This is a source of pride for us, and it is also a challenge that we are taking up at this historic site, where the objective is to remain an industry benchmark," Charvet adds.
Partnerships with Volvo and CMA CGM
Renault's endeavor in Sandouville is part of its collaborative effort with Volvo and CMA CGM through the Flexis joint venture. The project aims to produce light commercial vehicles (LCVs) designed for last-mile delivery of parcels, catering to the evolving logistics landscape.
CMA CGM Group has expressed its interest in investing up to 120 million euros in the venture, emphasizing the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The regulatory approval obtained in March signifies a major milestone for Renault and its partners, paving the way for the official launch of the Flexis joint venture. Production of the new battery van models is scheduled to commence in 2026, marking a significant step forward in Renault's EV initiatives.
Renault's CEO, Luca de Meo, views this investment as a strategic move to bolster the company's position in the electric vehicle market.
(Photo : ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)
A picture taken on May 20, 2020 shows the logo of French carmaker Renault on a car dealership on the Champs Elysees in Paris. - Renault considers the closure of four sites in France, according to French satirical newspaper Le Canard Enchaine. The group is to unveil on May 29 the outlines of a vast 2 billion euro savings plan announced in February.
Renault and Nissan to Make New Budget SUVs For India
Meanwhile, in a bid to tap into the growing demand for SUVs in India, Renault and Nissan are gearing up to introduce four new models based on a localized version of the CMF-B architecture. These models, expected to debut in late 2025, will cater to both five-seater and seven-seater segments, targeting key competitors in India's SUV market (via Carscoops).
Renault's upcoming five-seater SUV, closely related to the third generation of the Dacia Duster, is poised to offer consumers a compelling blend of style, performance, and affordability. Nissan's counterpart, featuring a redesigned face and distinctive design elements, is set to appeal to discerning buyers seeking a dynamic driving experience.
Both Renault and Nissan SUVs will share turbocharged gasoline powertrain options, providing customers with efficient yet powerful driving solutions. With Renault's SUV slated to hit the Indian market in late 2025, followed by the seven-seater variants in 2026, the competition in India's SUV segment is expected to intensify, offering consumers a wider range of choices.
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