Following the announcement last week of the production site for the future electric, zero-emission Kangoo Van, Renault has now announced that the electric version of Fluence will be manufactured at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. Production will start in the first half of 2011.
Unveiled as Fluence Z.E. Concept, the electric vehicle (EV) will be produced on the same production line as the conventionally-powered versions of Fluence. As at Maubeuge, where the Group will produce electric, petrol and diesel Kangoos, this option will limit the entry price of the programme and ensure an industrial fast start, while ensuring top-level quality.
Producing the future EV at Bursa allows Renault to benefit from the site's excellent performance on quality, cost and lead times, along with local sourcing. As a result, the Group will be able to market the zero-emission saloon at the same attractive price as internal combustion models.
Scoring high on elegance and comfort, Fluence is a midsize saloon aimed at strengthening Renault's international presence. Owners of the electric model will have three battery charge options: standard charge, rapid charge and 'QuickDrop' battery exchange. Renault will launch the Fluence EV first in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries, from the first half of 2011.
Renault has now revealed the four production sites for its future EV range. The city car previewed by Zoé Z.E. Concept and the electric Kangoo will both be produced in France, at Flins and Maubeuge respectively. The vehicle based on Twizy Z.E. Concept will be built in Valladolid, Spain.
Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.
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