Renault and Stellantis进军 China
The Shanghai International Auto Industry Exhibition is being held at the International Expo Center until May 2, 2025. Renault of France and Stellantis further expand their presence in China, adopting different strategies to try to catch up with leading Chinese auto manufacturers in this field.
Rapid Development of China's Auto Industry
The rapid development of China's automotive industry has been confirmed at this year's "2025 Shanghai International Auto Show," which highlights intelligent vehicle technology. Chinese auto brands lead in this field and hold significant market shares, while Western manufacturers currently lag behind these emerging Chinese electric vehicle enterprises.
Facing competitive pressures from the Chinese market and aiming to narrow the technological gap, France's automotive industry is striving to rebuild new technologies and industrial ecosystems. For instance, Renault of France established a new technology research team in Shanghai, while Stellantis adopted a larger-scale development strategy.
To address these challenges, Stellantis plans to fully utilize its cooperation agreement signed with the Chinese start-up company Zero Motor [Leapmotor] in the fall of 2023. The group invested 1.3 billion euros to acquire 21% of this Chinese company, thereby directly occupying a place in China's automotive production sector. Zero Motor, the Chinese start-up brand known for producing small electric vehicles and SUVs, will also become another Chinese automaker entering the Western market with support from Stellantis.
Procurement of Electric Motors from China
In addition, Stellantis plans to procure components from China for its future electric vehicles. According to a source, Stellantis will equip its future urban and family models with electric motors designed and manufactured by a Chinese company. This move is also intended to exert pressure on its long-term motor partner, Nidec Corporation of Japan.
The electric models of the Chinese Zero Motor brand, which have been sold outside of China through a joint venture established in the fall of 2023, such as in Europe, leverage Stellantis' existing distribution network, with over 350 sales points in Europe alone.
This enables the company to sell with both technical and price advantages to Western markets. Additionally, increasing the production of electric vehicles can help Stellantis reduce carbon dioxide emissions from car sales in Europe, aiding in achieving its emission reduction goals.
Renault's Small-Scale Project in Shanghai
In contrast to Stellantis' substantial investment in China, Renault of France successfully promoted its small-scale project in Shanghai. The Renault Group, led by Luca de Meo, established a scientific research team of 120 engineers in Beijing in early 2024. This research team, mainly composed of Chinese engineers and French participants, falls under Renault Group's electrical and software subsidiary and conducts relevant research.
Its primary task is to transmit innovative achievements researched in China to the French headquarters and technical center, enabling direct contact between engineers and project suppliers to reduce costs from battery manufacturers to engine manufacturers.
"The first specific task of the R&D team is to guide the development of the future Twingo brand electric vehicles and establish connections between French engineers and Chinese suppliers of this project at the technical center, allowing French companies to enter the Chinese market," explained Brunet, a French engineer of the project.
Another goal of Renault is to adjust the team at the technical center to halve the time required for automobile development. Preliminary designs of future cars are conducted in France, followed by a development phase between France and China lasting only two years. It is planned that the new Twingo will begin mass production at the new Mestre factory in Slovenia by the end of 2025.
Renault's collaboration with China to develop the new Twingo is just the first project. Renault Group does not intend to stop here and is expected to launch other models. By utilizing Renault's advantages in China, the company is in preliminary discussions with Horizon Robotics, a leading enterprise in China's autonomous driving and artificial intelligence sectors.
Similarly, Stellantis, formed by the merger of Chrysler and Peugeot Citroen, is not satisfied with its cooperation with the Chinese Zero Motor brand. The group has thousands of engineers in China, many of whom are engaged in software development, an area where China's electric smart vehicles excel.
Source: rfi
Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830821884401671/
Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author.