Provost: "Renault es en España mucho más que un fabricante de coches"

Renault continues to view Spain as more than just a car manufacturer; it is a vital part of the automotive ecosystem in the country, according to the company's French chairman, François Provost. The group is committed to producing vehicles in Spain and securing associated jobs. Renault's footprint in Spain extends beyond vehicle manufacturing, encompassing the entire value chain, as confirmed by Provost during the signing of a new investment agreement with Geely in Brazil.

Provost highlighted the company's strategic partnerships with various companies in Spain, including component manufacturer Gestamp and energy giant Iberdrola. He emphasized that Renault is not a foreign vehicle manufacturer in Spain, as the country is its second home, hosting two production plants in Valladolid and Palencia that now serve as the hub for hybrid and electric vehicle production. These plants are set to manufacture electric models in the coming years.

CEO Fabrice Cambolive stressed the significance of the recent agreement in Spain for the production of five new models, despite challenging negotiations with unions. Renault aims to produce electric models at these facilities. Provost criticized excessive European regulations that make cars more expensive, hindering customer purchases.

He called for a reasonable approach to electrification, suggesting that manufacturers should face a freeze on ten years of existing regulations if they fail to comply. Additionally, he urged an orderly agreement between China and the EU for the phased entry of Chinese brands into Europe.

Provost criticized the current state of overregulation in Europe, with 108 new norms planned for the automotive sector until 2030. He noted that people are unhappy due to the inability to afford new vehicles, which is negatively impacting the industry. Renault plans to expand its hybrid and fully electric vehicle offerings, rejecting mild hybrid solutions as useless and unhelpful for customers.

The company is reinforcing its commitment to Spain as its second home, as outlined in its previous strategic plan, Renaultution, which designated Spain as its global hub for hybrid vehicle production. The French automaker's Valladolid facility currently manufactures the Austral, Rafale, and Espace models, while its Palencia plant produces the Symbioz and Captur models, as well as Mitsubishi Grandis and ASX vehicles.

Following the successful negotiation with Spanish workers, Renault has awarded five new models to Spain, ensuring a steady workload and employment volume in the country for the upcoming decade.