PARIS – Renault Group’s low-cost model Dacia will promote internal-combustion engines for so long as it might probably, CEO Denis Le Vot stated.
Whereas the Renault model plans to go absolutely electrical by 2030, Dacia will retain the potential for making the massive bounce solely by 2035, when European rules would require all automobiles offered to have zero C02 emissions, successfully banning the sale of fossil gas engines.
“Renault will push to be the champion of electrical engines; this has a danger,” Le Vot stated on the sidelines of a presentation this week in Le Bourget close to Paris. “That is additionally why Dacia exists. Relying on how briskly the market converts to electrical engines and of purchasers’ urge for food, Dacia is right here. The 2 can co-exist,” he stated.
Dacia has just one full-electric mannequin, the Chinese language-built Spring minicar, which accounts for 12 p.c of its order intakes. Executives have stated that the model will electrify because the expertise turns into extra reasonably priced, in order to not push away Dacia’s price-conscious base.
Whereas it continues to financial institution on small engines powered by gasoline and liquefied petroleum gasoline, which make up a 3rd of its gross sales, Dacia plans to supply its first hybrid mannequin, as an possibility on the compact Jogger crossover, solely in 2023. The Jogger will use Renault’s E-Tech hybrid system, which was first launched in 2020.
Dacia fashions are additionally offered exterior Europe in creating and rising international locations, lots of which haven’t but set EV targets, branded as Renaults.
Renault, which a decade in the past was an electrical automobile pioneer together with alliance companion Nissan, has not too long ago been handed in gross sales in Europe by newcomers similar to Tesla, and a spread of fashions from VW Group.
In a bid to rebound, Renault will unveil subsequent month its plan to create separate divisions for electrical and combustion engine autos.