Renault Fluence Electric Vehicle to be Produced in Turkey

By Thami Masemola
November 13, 2009 11:01 PM
Filed Under: European

Renault is racing to become one of the first motor manufacturers to have full-on electric vehicles on public roads within the next 18 months or so. Three of its electric concepts from Frankfurt 2009 have been confirmed for production. The Fluence EV is the last to get approval.

The car is to be manufactured on the same production line as fossil-fuel powered Fluence models at the OYAK-Renault Bursa plant in Turkey. A Renault statement says it will benefit from the plant's high quality standards, cost effectiveness and local sourcing power. This will make it a reasonably-priced option when compared to petrol and diesel models. Production starts in the first half of 2011.

Renault will first launch the midsized sedan in Israel and Denmark, followed by other countries. Buyers will be able to choose from three battery charge options; a standard charge, a rapid charge and the so-called 'QuickDrop' battery exchange.

A Renault executive has confirmed to WCF that the Renault-Nissan alliance would share certain platforms in pursuing economies of scale for zero-emission cars. The Japanese brand will go first when it commences sales of the LEAF in the US, Japan and Europe next year.

Press Release (Click to expand)

RENAULT TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC FLUENCE IN BURSA, TURKEY

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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Tags: Renault Fluence, Renault Fluence Z.E. concept, Renault Fluence Z.E., Renault Fluence, Fluence Z.E. concept, Fluence Z.E., Renault Fluence Concept

Comments

08_022

November 14, 2009 2:06 AM

I like Reanult because their modern Cars are cool eg. Laguna, Reanultsport Megane, Fluence concept, Zoe Concept etc

Bristol411S3

November 14, 2009 6:51 PM

Never during my lifetime did I ever expect to read somone say that a Laguna is "cool" -- unless, of course, the word gets redefined. As I fear it has in this case.

azazeldon

November 14, 2009 2:26 AM

it looks like a cross between an mitsubishi evo and a hyundai ix35.great design, more importantly its electric.. nice!!!