Renault will build Twizy EV in Spain
Renault Twizzy ZE concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Renault announced today that its Valladolid, Spain plant will become the home of a new electric vehicle based on the Twizy Z.E. concept that was show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Twizy is a peculiar looking two-seat city vehicle and it will be probably change quite a bit before production. The open sides will likely become fully enclosed and the wheel covers probably won't make it to the road, at least not in their current form. That makes two EV production announcements this week for Renault, following yesterday's decision to build a car based on the Zoe concept in France. The Twizy goes into production in 2011 alongside Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus.
[Source: Renault]
press release
RENAULT TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASED ON TWIZY Z.E. CONCEPT IN VALLADOLID, SPAIN
Renault, which already produces Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus exclusively in Spain, has chosen to manufacture the future electric vehicle (EV) based on Twizy Z.E. Concept at Valladolid, 150 km north west of Madrid. Compact, nimble and practical, the future zero- emission EV will fully meet all sustainable urban mobility needs.
Valladolid was selected for its expertise and performance in compact car production. It currently produces Modus and Grand Modus and a share of New Clio output. The Group also chose to produce its future EV in Spain as close as possible to the sales market, namely Western Europe, in order to simplify logistics. Production will start in 2011.
After France, with the announcement of the production of the future city car based on Zoé Z.E. Concept, it is now the turn of Renault's Spanish production base to prepare for the industrialization of a zero- emission model.
Renault also announced last month that Valladolid would be allocated production of a thermal engine in 2012 and a fuel-combustion vehicle in 2013.
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Kiernan 2:43PM (11/06/2009)
I assume this is not the final look? It sounds a great idea, and I hope they can sell it at a good price. It could compete with electric motorbikes for couples who are worried about safety.
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Monica Dickey 6:06PM (11/06/2009)
Yeah just because movies about the future have cars that look like this doesn't mean we should actually start going in that direction :P
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xyz 7:05PM (11/06/2009)
Why not? Do all cars have to be boring? They will change details, for example. I don't think that the side mirror will stay at this position. But so what? Get some excitement onto our roads.
Kyle 11:51PM (11/06/2009)
I am a firm believer that all forms of design should add function to an object, thus they should not add random bits of bling and color just to attract attention. This car is a perfect example of poor design, there are too many elements that are employed just to make the car look unusual. I have no problem with adding excitement to vehicles, but this design is clearly not the way to go.
Other than the design, the concept is good.
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William 2:34AM (11/07/2009)
Excellent stuff from Renault! The French are getting very serious about EVs and placing far less importance on hot air and prototypes than others.....after the Bollore EV and the Zoe EV, this is yet another EV which is isn't earmarked for 2030 or beyond....
This is a very nice design for what is clearly an urban EV and, without having an inkling about the car's internals I don't have the foggiest about whether form follows function in this case, so I shall refrain from making any remarks to that effect.....
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