2018 Renault Twingo Executives at Fiat Chrysler and Renault-Nissan remain open to the idea that a merger deal could still happen, but they warn that conditions imposed by each side could hurt efforts to restart talks, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.Renault executives are optimistic that the outcome of Nissans shareholder meeting this week will spur new merger talks with FCA as support for a deal still exists inside the French automakers headquarters near Paris, the newspaper said, citing people close to Renault.In addition, Nissan has not closed itself off to the possibility of an eventual deal, but would also like to reshape the alliance to allow for added flexibility and independence for each partner, the WSJ reported.Renault CEO Thierry Bollore said last week that there was nothing happening between the French automaker and FCA after the collapse of merger talks aimed at creating the worlds third-largest automaker.The merger discussions with FCA ended abruptly after the French government, Renaults most powerful shareholder, sought a delay to gain the explicit assent of Nissan. FCA blamed political conditions in France when it withdrew its proposal, and a signal from the French state that it would give up its sway over Renault would be necessary for a resumption of talks, people with knowledge of the situation have said. For Renault and the state, repairing the relationship with Nissan will take priority over a FCA deal, officials have said. France in particular views securing the Japanese automakers explicit backing as crucial for the success of an FCA-Renault combination.Despite the finger-pointing that followed the failed talks, Renault, FCA and France have left the door open for a possible deal as they brace for the costly changes sweeping the industry, such as developing electric and autonomous
Origin: FCA, Renault hoping merger talks will restart, report says
Renault
New Renault Zoe launched with longer range
New Renault Zoe launched with longer range A range of 242 miles is now available, along with option for CCS charging Renault has launched a new version of its Zoe EV supermini, with the latest iteration set to get a 52 kWh battery for a range of 242 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. The new Zoe can also feature a CCS inlet, allowing for faster rapid charging at speeds of up to 50 kW, while the Type 2 section of the port will continue to accept up to 22 kW AC. Not only is the rapid charging capability faster than the current 42 kW DC limit, it also opens up new rapid charge points for Zoe drivers. Renault’s Zoe Z.E. 50 is the latest update to a model that has already had battery upgrades and motor power increases during its life-span. Not only is the battery capacity larger – the physical size remains the same – but also the new model features refreshed design inside and out, and improved equipment. GT Line models get a new R135 100 kW (135 hp) electric motor, up from the 79 kW or 65 kW models currently available, which provides improved acceleration and comfort at higher speeds. This drops the 0-62mph time to a little under 10 seconds, with a top speed of 87mph. A new B mode function is fitted to both R135 and the R110 motor models – the latter is carried over from the Z.E. 40 models – which allows for stronger brake energy recuperation for improved ‘one-pedal’ driving potential. This, and other drive modes, are selected via a new e-shifter, which is a switch rather than a conventional gear lever. New safety equipment is fitted, and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster represents a significant improvement in design, perceived quality, and display size. Exterior design details bring the Zoe in line with other current Renault models, but it is the interior design that has seen the most changes.
Origin: New Renault Zoe launched with longer range
Renault reveals second-gen Zoe EV with 242-mile range
Renault has revealed the second-generation Zoe hatchback, the successor to Europe’s best-selling electric car. The new model offers an extended 242-mile range and up to 134bhp. Effectively a heavy redesign of the outgoing model, the new Zoe will go on sale in the autumn in a dramatically different market from the one its predecessor entered in 2012, with a range of competitors including the new Peugeot e-208, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Honda e and Volkswagen ID 3. Renault intends to maintain the Zoe’s position as one of the more affordable offerings in the market, likely undercutting these models with an as-yet-unconfirmed price not far from the £21,220 of the current car. Sharing the same overall dimensions as the outgoing Zoe, the car’s design is updated with new grilles and bumpers, plus new, standard-fit LED headlights and tail-lights. There is a fresh colour palette inside and out, as well as new wheel designs. The intention has been to modernise the supermini’s looks. The interior is more heavily revamped, with a new dashboard design introducing a 10.0in customisable digital instrument display as standard across the range. Top-spec cars also receive a new curved 9.3in touchscreen infotainment display, similar to that found in the latest Clio, using the firm’s Easy Link connected technology. As well as being able to locate suitable charging points, it can tell if one isn’t functioning properly. A new smartphone app can also remotely pre-heat or cool the car. Higher-quality materials and new upholstery, including one made using 100% recycled fabric, aim to give the Zoe a more upmarket air. New details, such as an electronic gearlever and parking brake, free up extra storage space in the cabin, while wireless smartphone charging and an acoustic windscreen have been added. The Zoe’s biggest developments are in the powertrain department. The previous generation, which was upgraded throughout its life, made use of a 40kWh battery in its highest spec, but now an increase to 52kWh allows Renault to claim a WLTP-certified range of 242 miles. Renault has also adapted the car’s charging system to allow a 50kW DC charge using a CCS plug, joining existing Type 2 and AC connections behind the enlarged front badge flap. An optional 7kW wallbox enables owners to charge the battery from empty to full in nine hours. The new Zoe is now available with a choice of two motors. A base 107bhp unit – carried over from the old car – is joined by a higher-spec 134bhp version. Renault claims this power unit, which makes 181lb ft, allows the Zoe to achieve the 0-62mph sprint in less than 10 seconds and go from 50mph to 75mph in 7.1sec. Its top speed rises from 81mph to 87mph. Chassis changes are limited, but Renault claims the spring and damper rates have been tweaked and all-round disc brakes appear for the first time. QA Emmanuel Bouvier, director of sales and marketing and EVs, Renault This is effectively a heavy facelift of an older design. Why not an all-new platform? “We are in the unusual situation where we have a seven-year-old vehicle whose sales are growing significantly year on year. We are confident that this Zoe has plenty of life left in it, but we are considering using a common (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) Alliance platform in future.” You claim the new Zoe is part of a wider assault on the EV market. What is next? “Our objective is to cover A-, B- and C-segments, with multiple shapes of vehicles (ie standard cars and crossovers/SUVs). These will be focused on being passenger cars. I cannot tell you more at this stage.” Does the recently launched City K-ZE fit into these plans in Europe, or is it just for China? “We are currently investigating if the City K-ZE has international sales potential. No decision has been made
Origin: Renault reveals second-gen Zoe EV with 242-mile range
New Renault Zoe to pioneer innovative car sharing technology
Car sharing software is being fitted as standard to the next Renault Zoe in a further step towards a future of pooled electric car ownership – but also in a move to help car makers to reduce fines in 2020 if they overstep fleet CO2 average figures. The car sharing software is supplied by French company Vulog, whose AiMA (Artificial Intelligence Mobility Applied) platform is used by 25 car sharing schemes on a fleet of 11,000 cars on five continents. It integrates multiple functions involved in car sharing – such as finding an available car online or through an app and unlocking it with a mobile device, plus monitoring charging and invoicing to streamline the management of the car fleet. “This partnership with Vulog will facilitate the launch of car sharing services for mobility operators around the world,” said Corinne Pakey, Renault’s mobility business manager. Renault already has 6100 electric vehicles across Europe in car sharing programmes and the agreement with Vulog is expected to add a further 2500 in north Europe, South America and the UAE. Renault is also a partner in the Marcel electric car ride-hailing service in Paris. As well as pushing electric cars towards urban mobility improvements, Vulog believes that fleets of shared electric cars could save many manufacturers from the fines that the EU will levy from 2020 on car makers that miss their fleet CO2 average figure. For every gram above their CO2 emission limit, car makers will have to pay £83 for each car registered. According to a report by PA Consulting, nine of the 13 main car-making groups in Europe could have to pay out – ranging from Mazda’s relatively modest £65 million to Volkswagen’s eye-watering £1.22 billion. Total industry fines might reach an astonishing £12.2bn, according to industry analysts IHS Markit. This explains why Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently paired up with Tesla to pay the US EV maker to pool fleets for CO2 calculation purposes. FCA faces going 6.7g/km over its 91.8g/km target, equal to a £612m fine. Unsurprisingly, EV pioneer partners Renault and Nissan — now in alliance with Mitsubishi — are among the four makers predicted to be on course to meet their CO2 target. “EV car sharing does reduce CO2 emissions and helps reduce liability under the new corporate fleet regulations,” Renault UK told Autocar. “It also gives Renault access to a new audience: people who may not want to buy a car but also those who may not otherwise try an EV.” Vulog believes other car makers could significantly reduce fleet average CO2 with shared EVs and are preparing to roll out such schemes. “Many OEMs (car makers) have a plan to do this,” said Vulog boss Gregory Duconge, “but they just aren’t ready to talk about it yet.” VW, one of the makers tipped to miss its 2020 fleet CO2 target, for example, has supplied 325 e-Golfs to Zipcar, which has a medium-term aim to be 100% electric by 2025. When VW’s ID family of electric cars gets into serious volume production by 2020/21, it can be expected to have a very large global fleet of car share EVs. Thomas Ulbrich, VW’s head of e-mobility, recently confirmed to Autocar that by the end of the ID family model introductions in 2027/28, VW will have built 15m EVs on its new MEB electric car platform. That would make a huge dent in its fleet CO2 numbers and many could be on electric car sharing schemes. Ford is also facing fines but it is remaining tight-lipped about electric car sharing, if only because significant numbers of its electric models are still a couple of years from launch in Europe. But it will go it alone, unlike FCA and Tesla. “Ford has no plans to pool our fleet CO2 emissions with any other car manufacturer,” it said in a statement to
Origin: New Renault Zoe to pioneer innovative car sharing technology
Renault Koleos updated with new engines, looks and kit
Renault has revealed an updated version of the Koleos, bringing the large SUV into line with its recently refreshed Kadjar sibling. External changes are as subtle as they are on the Kadjar and include an altered grille, new skid plates front and rear and additional chrome. LED headlights are now standard fit across the range, while new two-tone alloy wheels and a Vintage Red paint scheme are added. Interior upgrades include new soft-touch materials, trim details and two-stage reclining rear seats on all models. A new pedestrian detection function has been added to the active emergency braking system, while the infotainment now gets full-screen Apple CarPlay capability. Renault has also added two new diesel engines to the Koleos. The first is a 148bhp 1.8-litre unit, replacing the 1.6-litre diesel in the outgoing model. It’s front-wheel-drive only, puts out 250lb ft of torque and is claimed to emit 143g/km of CO2 emissions. A new 2.0-litre also features with 187bhp and 280lb ft of torque, claiming 150g/km of CO2. The marque has seemingly taken the opportunity to make both engines CVT-only, reflecting the decreased popularity of manual transmissions in this class. Greater refinement is also claimed, while the more powerful diesel comes with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Alongside the material changes, Renault has also simplified the Koleos range. Two trim levels are now offered: Iconic and GT-Line, with standard kit increased over the previous base model. Prices will be announced in July, with deliveries expected in
Origin: Renault Koleos updated with new engines, looks and kit
Fiat Chrysler withdraws Renault merger offer
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has withdrawn its offer of a ’50/50 merger’ with Renault. If it had gone ahead the deal would have created one of the world’s biggest car firms, but a FCA statement said “it has become clear that the political conditions in France do not currently exist for such a combination to proceed.” The decision to withdraw the offer was taken at a meeting of the FCA board. That comment is a direct reference to the fact that – after more than six hours of talks yesterday – Renault’s board again delayed a decision on whether to engage with the proposal. The French government, Renault’s largest shareholder, had requested the delay. In a statement Renault said it was “unable to take a decision due to the request expressed by the representative of the French state to postpone the vote to a later council.” FCA had claimed that combined annual revenues from the merger would be around £150bn, with an operating profit of more than £8.8bn a year. It had also claimed thato plant closures would be considered as a result, with output of around 8.7m cars a year. In its statement withdrawing the offer, FCA said that it “remains firmly convinced of the compelling, transformational rationale of a proposal that has been widely appreciated since it was submitted, the structure and terms of which were carefully balanced to deliver substantial benefits to all parties.” FCA offered its thanks to Renault, along with the French firm’s Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi, for their “constructive engagement” over the proposal. Analysts had broadly welcomed the possibility of the tie-up between the two firms, with FCA’s strength in North America, through its Jeep and Ram brands, giving Renault an opening in that market, and FCA benefitting from Renault and Nissan’s experience with electrified cars, where it is lagging. FCA also includes the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands. It is not clear if the withdrawal of its offer spells the end of the potential alliance, or if FCA will talk to other partners instead. Previously FCA is also understood to have also held talks with the PSA Group, which comprises Peugeot, DS, Citroen and Vauxhall/Opel, over a partnership. PSA boss Carlos Tavares is known to be keen to grow his firm with acquisitions or partnerships, and has been strongly linked to a deal with Jaguar Land Rover. FCA boss Mike Manley is also known to be keen on a partnership, telling reporters at the Geneva motor show that he was open to cooperation with other car firms, “whether it’s partnerships, joint ventures or deeper levels of equity cooperation that makes sense for us and whoever that
Origin: Fiat Chrysler withdraws Renault merger offer
Fiat Chrysler withdraws 50/50 merger proposal with Renault
In this file photo taken on August 21, 2017, a car dealer in Turin, Italy, shows the logos of Jeep, Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo automobile company, brands of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).Marco Bertorello / Getty Images Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has withdrawn its merger offer with Renault, not long after reaching a tentative agreement with France on the terms of the proposed offer. Renault issued a statement that it had been reviewing the potential 50/50 merger “with interest” but was unable to reach a decision because representatives of the French State – which owns 15 per cent of Renault – had asked for the automaker’s vote to be postponed to a later meeting. This request followed two consecutive days of meetings by Renault’s board of directors. In turn, FCA issued a statement saying that “it has become clear that the political conditions in France do not currently exist for such a combination to proceed successfully.” The American automaker thanked the heads of Renault, along with its Alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. FCA proposed the merger with Renault on May 27. It would have created the world’s third-largest automaker, behind Volkswagen and Toyota, and was valued at US$35 billion. The Wall Street Journal reported that FCA had pulled the merger offer after Nissan refused to support the deal. The paper also said it was Nissan’s stance that caused the French government to ask for postponement of the vote. Reuters reported that Nissan’s CEO, Hiroto Saikawa, said that the FCA-Renault merger “would require a fundamental review” of his company’s relationship in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The connection between Nissan and Renault has already been strained by the arrest of CEO Carlos Ghosn. Prior to FCA’s withdrawal, the merger proposal was expected to pass without any issues, although concerns about job losses were raised by European governments. The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) said in a statement that, “As with any merger of companies, the UAW is first and foremost concerned how this will impact our members. FCA leadership has stated to us that this action will not result in any closure of our represented locations.” Following the initial announcement of the proposal, Mike Manley, CEO of FCA, sold US$3.5 million worth of his FCA shares. In other news, U.S. sales chief Reid Bigland has sued the automaker in a “whistleblower” lawsuit, claiming the company punished him for speaking to the federal government about how it reported its
Origin: Fiat Chrysler withdraws 50/50 merger proposal with Renault
Fiat Chrysler plans merger with Renault in latest auto industry jolt
In this file photo taken on August 21, 2017, a car dealer in Turin, Italy, shows the logos of Jeep, Fiat, Lancia and Alfa Romeo automobile company, brands of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).Marco Bertorello / Getty Images Fiat Chrysler Automobiles proposed a merger with Renault to create the world’s third-biggest carmaker as manufacturers scramble for scale to tackle an expensive shift to electrification and autonomous driving. The transaction would be structured as a 50-50 ownership through a Dutch holding company, Fiat said Monday. Renault shareholders, including the French government, would get an implied premium of about 10 per cent. In a statement, Renault’s board said it would study what it called a “friendly” proposal. The carmakers are moving ahead without Renault’s 20-year partner, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors, the other member of their troubled alliance. Fiat has conditioned the merger talks on Renault agreeing not to pursue a transaction with Nissan in the short term, according to people familiar with the matter. The Japanese company would be welcome to join the merged entity later. The broad strokes of the plan would make Fiat’s founding shareholder, the Agnelli family’s holding company Exor NV, the single largest investor in the combined entity. Fiat chairman John Elkann would likely stay in the role while Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard would be chief executive officer, the people familiar with the proposal said. The talks come as automakers worldwide face intense pressure to spend heavily on new technologies and adapt to trends such as car-sharing. Falling sales in the world’s biggest markets – China, the U.S. and Europe – have brought fresh urgency to consolidate. Fiat and Renault expect their joint annual synergies to amount to more than 5 billion euros, coming from areas such as purchasing power. “Fiat and Renault are looking for surer footing by gaining scale, and that’s not a bad idea for mass-market carmakers,” Bankhaus Metzler analyst Juergen Pieper said. “The execution of the deal is a significant hurdle. But on paper, this proposal looks good.” The plan has political backing from the French state, which is Renault’s most powerful shareholder. Italian Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, who initially threatened to intervene, later gave his blessing—telling Agence France Presse he trusts the deal “will safeguard every job in this country.” Together, Fiat and Renault made about 8.7 million cars last year, which would vault the pair past South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Group and Detroit’s General Motors. That’s still behind the world’s two biggest automakers, Volkswagen and Toyota Motor, who both topped 10 million vehicles last year. But if combined with output of Renault’s existing alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi, the total would be more than 15 million vehicles a year. Fiat and Renault would have a “broad and complementary brand portfolio” covering markets from luxury to mainstream, the Italian company said in its statement. Premium brands Jeep, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Infiniti would come under a common umbrella. Fiat would give Renault access to the North American market, while gaining clout in Russia, the French carmaker’s second-biggest market with its Avtovaz
Origin: Fiat Chrysler plans merger with Renault in latest auto industry jolt
Renault and Fiat Chrysler reportedly in talks over tie-up
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Renault are reported to be in ‘advanced discussions’ over a wide-ranging partnership, which could ultimately lead to the FCA Group joining the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The talks, first reported by the Financial Times and subsequently by Reuters, are focused on the potential for co-operation between FCA and Renault, and are said to be at “an advanced stage”. The FT reports that Nissan has not been involved in the talks so far. FCA, Renault and Nissan have all declined to comment. FCA and Renault already have a partnership to product commercial vehicles, and have previously held talks over sharing platforms. It is understood those talks have now moved beyond technology sharing into a wider-ranging partnership. A source told Reuters that the talks could involve a transfer of equity between FCA and Renault, saying “this isn’t just another partnership.” If the two firms did take a stake in each other, it would be similar to the agreement between Renault and Nissan that led to the creation of the Alliance between the two firms, spearheaded by Carlos Ghosn, who served as chairman of both companies. The future of the Alliance is currently the subject of talks between the two car makers following Ghosn’s arrest in Japan on financial fraud chargers. The two firms could both benefit from a tie-up. FCA is strongest in North America, through its Jeep and Ram brands, where Renault has no presence. Conversely, FCA is some way behind its rivals with plans to develop electric cars, and could benefit from Renault and Nissan’s experience in this area. FCA also includes the Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands. FCA is understood to have also held talks with the PSA Group, which comprises Peugeot, DS, Citroen and Vauxhall/Opel, over a partnership. PSA boss Carlos Tavares is known to be keen to grow his firm with acquisitions or partnerships, and has been strongly linked to a deal with Jaguar Land Rover. FCA boss Mike Manley is also known to be keen on a partnership, telling reporters at the Geneva motor show that he was open to cooperation with other car firms, “whether it’s partnerships, joint ventures or deeper levels of equity cooperation that makes sense for us and whoever that
Origin: Renault and Fiat Chrysler reportedly in talks over tie-up
New Renault Clio, Mazda 3 lead Euro NCAP crash test stars
The new Renault Clio, Mazda 3 and electric Audi e-tron are among seven cars to secure five-star Euro NCAP crash test scores in the latest round of testing. The Mazda 3 became just the fourth car ever tested to score 98% for adult occupant protection (AOP), alongside the Volvo V40 and XC60, and the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The latest Clio achieved an AOP score of 96%, and also scored 89% for child occupant safety. The new Volkswagen T-Cross scored 97% for AOP. The other cars to receive five-star scores in the last month are the Lexus UX, Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4. Thatcham Research, the only UK safety research centre that conducts Euro NCAP tests, noted the high level of driver assistance systems fitted as standard to many of the cars tested. Matthew Avery, Thatcham’s director of research, said: “Achieving a five-star rating has never been so demanding, so it is pleasing to see carmakers continuing to rise to the challenge. “Consumers have never had it so good and can expect nothing less than top level safety from these
Origin: New Renault Clio, Mazda 3 lead Euro NCAP crash test stars
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