Renault: A Driving Force Behind Sustainable Mobility for All

PARIS – Jun 7, 2010: Renault is taking a pioneering stance on the issue of sustainable mobility for all. Its brand signature 'Drive the Change' symbolises the Company’s ongoing bid to reduce the ecological footprint of vehicles through their complete lifecycle, from their design and production, to their use on the road and at the end of life.

Acutely aware of the importance of the stakes regarding global warming, Renault has been working for many years to curb the CO2 emissions of its models – throughout their lifecycle – in order to reduce the automobile's ecological impact. Meanwhile, as its environmentally respectful Renault ecoČ policy demonstrates, Renault believes it is essential to make the most effective technologies available to as many motorists as possible, at prices they can afford.

This ongoing effort enables Renault to stand out today as a real leader, thanks to a complete range of vehicles – powered by a variety of energies, from petrol and diesel, to gas and electricity – which have become increasingly ecological with each generation to emerge as the most efficient in Europe in this area.

Renault's 2010 Environment Workshop is a chance for the Company to showcase the progress it has achieved across its vehicles' full lifecycle through the Renault ecoČ programme.

Design
Renault is working on two fronts in its bid to become the highest-placed European car manufacturer in terms of CO2 emissions thanks to

the introduction of new technologies for internal combustion engines and conventional transmissions

an unprecedented commitment to electric powertrains. Renault estimates that electric vehicles will account for 10 per cent of the world market by 2020. The Alliance is investing €4 billion in its zero emissions programme and a 2,000-strong team (1,000 at Renault, and 1,000 at Nissan) is already working on electric vehicles

The best of Renault's current range in terms of fuel consumption/emissions, as well as new technologies and prototype electric vehicles (Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E.), are being shown today. The technology these vehicles feature is very similar to that employed for the upcoming production electric cars currently under development. The sale of these electric vehicles – which represent a clean break solution aimed at putting zero emission mobility within the reach off all motorists – will start in 2011.

Production
In addition to the ISO 14 001-certification of its factories, new avenues are constantly being explored to achieve even further water and energy consumption savings, and also to cut waste.

On-road use
Renault is about to launch an extensive eco-driving tuition programme for fleet operators and private motorists.

End-of-life
Renault has become a major player in France for recycling and the recoverability of plastics, metals, etc.

For the full 2010 Environment Workshop release please download the Release text in Additional Documents