Latest news with #Renaults
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Renault says it's a challenger brand, but won't chase Chinese brands with its pricing
Renault may be off the radar of many Australian buyers, but its local boss insists the brand won't slash prices to shift the status quo. Talks of budget-minded Renaults were sparked at the local launch for the new Duster small SUV, which is now the brand's cheapest model and starts at $31,990 before on-roads. Despite cheaper segment competition, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey says the brand isn't interested in the "bargain basement area". "If you look at how typically the market is spread out today, that SUV segment that we talked about with Duster, and how 30 per cent sits below $30,000 – that's not us," he told media at the Duster launch. "We're not in that bargain basement area, but with Duster, we're not in that very premium end either, $40,000 to $45,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But we do have cars that sit there, which is Arkana, and we do have cars that sit above that, which is Megane E-Tech. So we're never going to be in that bottom 30 per cent, so to speak, but we will be in the fat, or the spike, of the segment, and we will be in the premium part of the segment. "And you will see that with all our products, whether it is the small SUV segment, whether it is the van segment, you will see that displayed all the way through." While unclear, that "bottom 30 per cent" likely encompasses many of Australia's newest small SUVs – particularly from newer Chinese challenger brands. The cheapest of these is the Chery Tiggo 4, priced from $23,990 drive-away, followed by the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, both priced from $26,990 drive-away. There's also the base Mahindra XUV3XO at $23,990 drive-away, another brand looking to put its stamp on the small SUV segment. Still, arguably the most direct rival to Renault's Duster is the Suzuki Jimny, which costs $30,490 before on-roads in its base form. "We always operate as a challenger brand, because our volume is relatively low compared to the market. So we always see ourselves as a challenger brand," Mr Sealey added. "But the reality of life is we are able to command – as long as the product's good enough – a premium position within that segment." Mr Sealey's statement that Renault is a challenger brand is certainly backed up by relatively low sales, with 2871 so far this year – 958 of which were passenger vehicles. For context, the Tiggo 4, Jolion, and ZS have each outsold that figure by more than 10 times. Renault's current best-seller isn't a passenger vehicle; it's the Master van with 1210 sales. MORE: Renault Duster targeted at Jimny, Crosstrek buyers MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault may be off the radar of many Australian buyers, but its local boss insists the brand won't slash prices to shift the status quo. Talks of budget-minded Renaults were sparked at the local launch for the new Duster small SUV, which is now the brand's cheapest model and starts at $31,990 before on-roads. Despite cheaper segment competition, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey says the brand isn't interested in the "bargain basement area". "If you look at how typically the market is spread out today, that SUV segment that we talked about with Duster, and how 30 per cent sits below $30,000 – that's not us," he told media at the Duster launch. "We're not in that bargain basement area, but with Duster, we're not in that very premium end either, $40,000 to $45,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But we do have cars that sit there, which is Arkana, and we do have cars that sit above that, which is Megane E-Tech. So we're never going to be in that bottom 30 per cent, so to speak, but we will be in the fat, or the spike, of the segment, and we will be in the premium part of the segment. "And you will see that with all our products, whether it is the small SUV segment, whether it is the van segment, you will see that displayed all the way through." While unclear, that "bottom 30 per cent" likely encompasses many of Australia's newest small SUVs – particularly from newer Chinese challenger brands. The cheapest of these is the Chery Tiggo 4, priced from $23,990 drive-away, followed by the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, both priced from $26,990 drive-away. There's also the base Mahindra XUV3XO at $23,990 drive-away, another brand looking to put its stamp on the small SUV segment. Still, arguably the most direct rival to Renault's Duster is the Suzuki Jimny, which costs $30,490 before on-roads in its base form. "We always operate as a challenger brand, because our volume is relatively low compared to the market. So we always see ourselves as a challenger brand," Mr Sealey added. "But the reality of life is we are able to command – as long as the product's good enough – a premium position within that segment." Mr Sealey's statement that Renault is a challenger brand is certainly backed up by relatively low sales, with 2871 so far this year – 958 of which were passenger vehicles. For context, the Tiggo 4, Jolion, and ZS have each outsold that figure by more than 10 times. Renault's current best-seller isn't a passenger vehicle; it's the Master van with 1210 sales. MORE: Renault Duster targeted at Jimny, Crosstrek buyers MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault may be off the radar of many Australian buyers, but its local boss insists the brand won't slash prices to shift the status quo. Talks of budget-minded Renaults were sparked at the local launch for the new Duster small SUV, which is now the brand's cheapest model and starts at $31,990 before on-roads. Despite cheaper segment competition, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey says the brand isn't interested in the "bargain basement area". "If you look at how typically the market is spread out today, that SUV segment that we talked about with Duster, and how 30 per cent sits below $30,000 – that's not us," he told media at the Duster launch. "We're not in that bargain basement area, but with Duster, we're not in that very premium end either, $40,000 to $45,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But we do have cars that sit there, which is Arkana, and we do have cars that sit above that, which is Megane E-Tech. So we're never going to be in that bottom 30 per cent, so to speak, but we will be in the fat, or the spike, of the segment, and we will be in the premium part of the segment. "And you will see that with all our products, whether it is the small SUV segment, whether it is the van segment, you will see that displayed all the way through." While unclear, that "bottom 30 per cent" likely encompasses many of Australia's newest small SUVs – particularly from newer Chinese challenger brands. The cheapest of these is the Chery Tiggo 4, priced from $23,990 drive-away, followed by the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, both priced from $26,990 drive-away. There's also the base Mahindra XUV3XO at $23,990 drive-away, another brand looking to put its stamp on the small SUV segment. Still, arguably the most direct rival to Renault's Duster is the Suzuki Jimny, which costs $30,490 before on-roads in its base form. "We always operate as a challenger brand, because our volume is relatively low compared to the market. So we always see ourselves as a challenger brand," Mr Sealey added. "But the reality of life is we are able to command – as long as the product's good enough – a premium position within that segment." Mr Sealey's statement that Renault is a challenger brand is certainly backed up by relatively low sales, with 2871 so far this year – 958 of which were passenger vehicles. For context, the Tiggo 4, Jolion, and ZS have each outsold that figure by more than 10 times. Renault's current best-seller isn't a passenger vehicle; it's the Master van with 1210 sales. MORE: Renault Duster targeted at Jimny, Crosstrek buyers MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault may be off the radar of many Australian buyers, but its local boss insists the brand won't slash prices to shift the status quo. Talks of budget-minded Renaults were sparked at the local launch for the new Duster small SUV, which is now the brand's cheapest model and starts at $31,990 before on-roads. Despite cheaper segment competition, Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey says the brand isn't interested in the "bargain basement area". "If you look at how typically the market is spread out today, that SUV segment that we talked about with Duster, and how 30 per cent sits below $30,000 – that's not us," he told media at the Duster launch. "We're not in that bargain basement area, but with Duster, we're not in that very premium end either, $40,000 to $45,000. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "But we do have cars that sit there, which is Arkana, and we do have cars that sit above that, which is Megane E-Tech. So we're never going to be in that bottom 30 per cent, so to speak, but we will be in the fat, or the spike, of the segment, and we will be in the premium part of the segment. "And you will see that with all our products, whether it is the small SUV segment, whether it is the van segment, you will see that displayed all the way through." While unclear, that "bottom 30 per cent" likely encompasses many of Australia's newest small SUVs – particularly from newer Chinese challenger brands. The cheapest of these is the Chery Tiggo 4, priced from $23,990 drive-away, followed by the GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS, both priced from $26,990 drive-away. There's also the base Mahindra XUV3XO at $23,990 drive-away, another brand looking to put its stamp on the small SUV segment. Still, arguably the most direct rival to Renault's Duster is the Suzuki Jimny, which costs $30,490 before on-roads in its base form. "We always operate as a challenger brand, because our volume is relatively low compared to the market. So we always see ourselves as a challenger brand," Mr Sealey added. "But the reality of life is we are able to command – as long as the product's good enough – a premium position within that segment." Mr Sealey's statement that Renault is a challenger brand is certainly backed up by relatively low sales, with 2871 so far this year – 958 of which were passenger vehicles. For context, the Tiggo 4, Jolion, and ZS have each outsold that figure by more than 10 times. Renault's current best-seller isn't a passenger vehicle; it's the Master van with 1210 sales. MORE: Renault Duster targeted at Jimny, Crosstrek buyers MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Global Renault boss quits for role at Gucci
Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. "Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector," the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date." According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. "Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector," the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date." According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. "Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector," the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date." According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from: Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. "Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector," the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date." According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. MORE: Everything Renault Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Global Renault boss quits for role at Gucci
Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. 'Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector,' the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date.' According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. Supplied Credit: CarExpert During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. 'The Board of Directors has expressed its confidence in the quality and experience of the management team to continue and accelerate Renault Group's transformation strategy into this new phase,' it said in a statement. MORE: Everything Renault
7NEWS
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Global Renault boss quits for role at Gucci
Renault Group CEO Luca De Meo, who has been credited with putting the French automaker back on its feet, has quit after five years in the top job, with a successor yet to be announced. The automaker confirmed the news in an official statement after news reports from French news outlet Le Figaro leaked the Italian's departure from the company. 'Luca de Meo has announced his decision to step down and pursue new challenges outside the automotive sector,' the company said in a statement. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'The Board of Directors … expressed their gratitude to Luca de Meo for the turnaround and transformation of Renault Group and accepted that his departure would be effective from July 15, 2025. Luca de Meo will continue to perform his duties until that date.' According to Le Figaro, Mr De Meo – who has worked in the automotive industry for decades in roles at both Fiat and the Volkswagen Group – will become the CEO of luxury brand Kering, owner of Gucci. The move follows recent leadership changes at other automakers including Renault-owned Nissan, Volvo and Stellantis, which owns several brands including Renault rivals Citroen – which is no longer sold in Australia – and Peugeot. The 58-year-old Italian became Renault Group CEO in 2020, overseeing the Dacia and Alpine sub-brands as well as the broader alliance with Japanese automakers Nissan and Mitsubishi. Dacia vehicles – which are cheaper than equivalent Renaults – are set to be offered in Australia by local Renault importer Ateco Automotive, although they will be badged as Renaults. Meanwhile, Alpine will make a comeback to Australia after a brief absence with the Alpine A390 electric SUV in 2026. Mr De Meo brought stability to Renault leadership after replacing Thierry Bollore, who was in the role only 12 months before being dismissed for reasons that weren't made public. Mr Bollore had been outspoken about his predecessor Carlos Ghosn, who was infamously smuggled out of Japan after he was arrested and accused of misleading investors and misusing company assets for personal gain, before he escaped to Lebanon which has no extradition treaty with Japan. During his tenure, Mr De Meo strengthened Renault's portfolio and focussed on hybrid models, leaving the brand in a healthier position than when he took over the top job, and being praised by some as Renault's 'saviour'. The admiration followed his moves to somewhat insulate the automaker from the threat of Chinese electric vehicles and significant US import tariffs. While the Renault brand does not sell cars in the US, North America is a key market for its Mitsubishi and Nissan partners, with Nissan operating three factories in the US. His move may also impact the Alpine brand that has Formula 1 and World Endurance Championship campaigns, which he was heavily engaged with. Renault is represented by the Sydney-based Ateco group in Australia, where the Renault Trafic and Master commercial vans are its best-sellers. The aged Koleos mid-size SUV is its most popular passenger vehicle year-to-date. Mr De Meo's replacement is yet to be announced, following a resignation that seemingly caught the company off guard. 'The Board of Directors has expressed its confidence in the quality and experience of the management team to continue and accelerate Renault Group's transformation strategy into this new phase,' it said in a statement.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Renault Unveils Futuristic Electric Concept Car
Renault has unveiled one of its oddest ever concept cars, the Filante Record 2025. The single-seater is inspired by legendary record-breaking Renaults such as the 40 CV des Records (1925), Nervasport des Records (1934) and Étoile Filante (1956). With sleek, flowing lines reminiscent of aircraft, it aims to set new performance benchmarks. The demo car debuts at the Rétromobile motor show in Paris from 5 to 9 February before attempting to break efficiency records later in the year. Finished in Ultraviolet Blue, a shade specially developed for the project the vehicle integrates historic design cues such as round headlamps and wheel fairings while embracing cutting-edge aerodynamics. It also showcases pioneering battery technology, using cell-to-pack integration for improved energy efficiency. With its sights set firmly on the future, the Filante Record 2025 is more than a concept—it is a rolling laboratory for Renault's next generation of electric vehicles.
