AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com AutoblogGreen http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif AutoblogGreen http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Renault execs say the Zoe will outsell the Nissan Leaf in Europe]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/renault-execs-say-the-zoe-will-outsell-the-nissan-leaf-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/renault-execs-say-the-zoe-will-outsell-the-nissan-leaf-in-europe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/renault-execs-say-the-zoe-will-outsell-the-nissan-leaf-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

renault zoe

When it comes to battery-electric vehicle sales across the pond, Renault's Zoe will get the better of the sibling rivalry against the Nissan Leaf.

That's what Renault is expecting will happen when it starts selling the Zoe later this year, according to Automotive News and, to make sure vehicles will be available, Renault will have an annual production capacity for the Zoe of as many as 150,000 vehicles. To compare, Nissan will be able to build just 25,000 Leafs at its Sunderland, UK plant when that comes online early next year. Globally, Nissan will be able to make over 200,000 Leafs a year once all its plants go into operation.

The Zoe is about eight percent shorter than the Leaf and, more importantly, about half the price thanks to a battery lease program of around $110 a month. Renault debuted the production version of the Zoe at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and spelled out a price of less than $21,000 in France (in U.S. dollars, after government incentives) and about $21,400 in the UK. Those lower price tags should attract plenty of EV customers, even though the Zoe will have a single-charge driving range that's about 30 percent shorter than the Leaf's.

Despite relatively low sales of the Renault Kangoo utility EV so far, Thierry Koskas, Renault's EV project director, said that he still expects EVs to account for 10 percent of new cars in Europe by the end of the decade.

Renault execs say the Zoe will outsell the Nissan Leaf in Europe originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 13 May 2012 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleeuropeev salesfranceleafleaf salesnissannissan leafrenaultrenault zoeThierry Koskasu.k.zoeSun, 13 May 2012 08:47:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20236401/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20236401/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/13/renault-execs-say-the-zoe-will-outsell-the-nissan-leaf-in-europe/20236401/article-detail.xml 20236401 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zoe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zoe.jpg <![CDATA[Got scholarship? Renault will fund electro-mobility classes in France]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/renault-will-fund-electro-mobility-classes-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/renault-will-fund-electro-mobility-classes-in-france/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/05/10/renault-will-fund-electro-mobility-classes-in-france/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Summer may be approaching, but that doesn't mean it's time to stop thinking about school, according to Renault.

The French automaker will start awarding what it calls the first "diploma" signifying expertise in electric vehicles and electro-mobility.

Renault is funding courses held at the IUT technology institute in Mantes (about 35 miles west of Paris) that will start in September. Students will complete an 11-month work-study program, in which one week of classroom instruction will be given for every two weeks of "real world" professional internship experience.

Some of the specific areas to be covered in the 20-person classes include EV design, on-board information-technology systems and charging infrastructure. Folks can sign up here through June 16 to be considered for the first batch of students. The money spent on these classes is a small part of Renault's overall EV spending. Renault, along with sister company Nissan, is said to have invested $5 billion in the development of electric-drive vehicles in expectation of surging EV sales over the next few years.

Earlier, Renault-Nissan said it looked to get majority control over Avtovaz, Russia's largest automaker. Under the memorandum of understanding, Renault-Nissan will own just over 50 percent of Avtovaz.

Continue reading Got scholarship? Renault will fund electro-mobility classes in France

Got scholarship? Renault will fund electro-mobility classes in France originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 10 May 2012 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdiplomaelectric vehiclefranceiutmantesparisrenaultThu, 10 May 2012 12:04:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234850/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20234850/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/10/renault-will-fund-electro-mobility-classes-in-france/20234850/article-detail.xml 20234850 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/twizy0414_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/twizy0414.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Twizy EV goes on sale in U.K. for a cool $10,000*]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/renault-twizy-ev-goes-on-sale-in-u-k/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/renault-twizy-ev-goes-on-sale-in-u-k/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/renault-twizy-ev-goes-on-sale-in-u-k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

renault twizy

Renault's Twizy city electric vehicle went on sale in UK showrooms Friday, and the French automaker saying a less-powerful version will be available for sale starting next January.

The 17-horsepower Twizy, which has a top speed of about 50 miles per hour and can be recharged in less than four hours, starts at 6,690 British pounds ($10,600 U.S. at today's exchange rates). That low price is offset by the fact that buyers must also rent the car's battery for 45 British pounds a month under a three-year contract that allows for 4,500 miles a year of driving. Other options include £545 for "scissor doors." The Twizy is 92 inches long, or about a foot shorter than the Smart ForTwo.

To promote the Twizy, Renault has partnered with DJ David Guetta. The car appeared in his "Where Them Girls At" video and is now showing up in the promotional clip for the song "Alphabeat." Independent drivers are also taking test drives in Ibiza. You can see videos of both down below.

Next year, Renault start sales of a 5.3-horsepower version of the Twizy that will have a top speed of 28 miles per hour. That car - should we still call it that? - can be legally driven by people at least 16 years old, even without a drivers license, because of the vehicle's light weight.

Continue reading Renault Twizy EV goes on sale in U.K. for a cool $10,000*

Renault Twizy EV goes on sale in U.K. for a cool $10,000* originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david guettadj david guettaelectric vehiclerenault twizyrenault twizy evtwizytwizy zeSat, 14 Apr 2012 15:25:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20215429/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20215429/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/14/renault-twizy-ev-goes-on-sale-in-u-k/20215429/article-detail.xml 20215429 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/twizy0414_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/twizy0414.jpg <![CDATA[Renault could sell low-speed Twizy; Nissan considering Leaf battery leases]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



If anyone wondered what right-hand-drive donuts in a really light electric-vehicle looked like, we all may soon find out.

Renault may launch a low-speed version of its battery-electric Twizy in the UK next year in an effort to capitalize on a law allowing for unlicensed drivers for some smaller vehicles, according to UK's Autocar.

The EV, called the Twizy 45, would be able to be legally driven by unlicensed drivers who are at least 16 years old if the EV is limited to a top speed of 28 miles per hour (that's 45 kph and gives the car its name) and weighs no more than 350 kilograms (770 pounds), or about half the weight of a Smart ForTwo, Autocar reported, citing Andy Heiron, who runs Renault UK's electric-vehicle operations. The EV may cost about £6,200 ($9,900), though a teenager may have to pay another two-thirds of that total during the first year in the form of insurance premiums.

Renault and sister company Nissan have invested a reported $5 billion developing lines of electric vehicles for both companies, including the Nissan Leaf. Nissan's only sold about 600 Leafs in the UK since the model's launch there last spring, Heiron told Autocar, adding that Nissan is considering allowing Leaf buyers to lease the car's battery instead of buying it in order to cut the cost of the car.

The Twizy got some additional attention earlier this week by being included in the new "Plug Into The Positive Energy" exhibit at the L'Atelier Renault stage on Paris's Champs Elysées, where the EV is moved around vertically as part of a so-called "dance routine." Renault this month started selling three variations of the Twizy, with the lowest-price Urban starting at £6,690 ($10,702 U.S. at today's exchange rates) and the top-of-the-line Technic priced at £7,400 ($11,838).

Renault could sell low-speed Twizy; Nissan considering Leaf battery leases originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleneighborhood electric vehiclenissanrenaultrenault twizytwizyu.k.Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:08:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205248/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20205248/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/31/renault-could-sell-low-speed-twizy-nissan-considering-leaf-batt/20205248/article-detail.xml 20205248 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/twizy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/twizy.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Twizy will hang on the walls at Champs Elysées art stage]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/renault-twizy-will-hang-on-the-walls-in-champs-elysees-art-stage/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/renault-twizy-will-hang-on-the-walls-in-champs-elysees-art-stage/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/renault-twizy-will-hang-on-the-walls-in-champs-elysees-art-stage/#commentsFiled under: , ,

renault twizy art exhibit

Looking a little bit like a car dealership from Inception, the new "Plug Into The Positive Energy" exhibit at the L'Atelier Renault stage on the Champs Elysées puts a vertical focus on the all-electric Renault Twizy. The quirky little EV has been used as decoration before, and we're slowly getting used to Renault displaying the car in chic ways instead of just offering it for sale. The vehicle was product placed in David Guetta's "Where Them Girls At" video and will be highlighted again in the DJ's upcoming "Aplhabeat" video. The synergy continues when that video starts playing at the Twizy exhibit on April 2. As if all this style over function isn't enough for you, there's this:

The centerpiece of the exhibition [at the L'Atelier Renault stage] is a show featuring Twizy in an amazing, electro-ambient dance routine. With the help of a KUKA industrial robot, Twizy dances and soars over the stage of L'Atelier Renault to the beat of the David Guetta number "Where Them Girls At".

We get dizzy just thinking about it.

The Twizy exhibit runs through July 8, 2012. The Zoe EV will also be on display through the middle of April. You can watch Guetta's "Where Them Girls At" video here.

Continue reading Renault Twizy will hang on the walls at Champs Elysées art stage

Renault Twizy will hang on the walls at Champs Elysées art stage originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabeatdavid guettalatelierrenaultrenault twizytwizywhere them girls atThu, 29 Mar 2012 10:06:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202928/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20202928/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/renault-twizy-will-hang-on-the-walls-in-champs-elysees-art-stage/20202928/article-detail.xml 20202928 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-twizy-art_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-twizy-art.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Geneva 2012: Renault Zoe

Renault unveiled the production version of the Zoe all-electric car at the Geneva Motor Show this week, but what sounds most impressive is the car's price: £13,650 ($21,396 U.S. at today's exchange rates) after the government incentive of up to 25 percent of the car's cost in the UK. In France, the car starts at €20,750 ($27,200) but qualifies for a €5,000 ($6,555) grant, which brings the price down to €15,750 ($20,648). Interestingly, Renault says that "even in countries where tax incentives are not currently available, prices for ZOE are still particularly attractive" and then mentions Switzerland, where the cost is CHF 22,800 ($24,797). Of course, the reason for these low prices is hidden in the details of the battery lease, which, in the UK at least, costs £70 ($110) a month for a 9,000-mile/36-month contract.

We'll see if these numbers are attractive enough to get people to go electric, since Renault started taking pre-orders for the Zoe in 11 countries this week. Learn more about the Zoe and all of Renault's Geneva releases in the egregiously long press release available after the jump.

Continue reading Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face

Renault Zoe shows its low-cost, all-electric face originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battery leaseelectric vehiclegenevageneva 2012geneva motor showrenault zoezoezoe evSat, 10 Mar 2012 08:09:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20190133/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20190133/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/10/renault-zoe/20190133/article-detail.xml 20190133 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-zoe-geneva-2012--628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/renault-zoe-geneva-2012--628.jpg <![CDATA[UK includes electric delivery vans in rebate plan; Renault Kangoo ZE now eligible]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/uk-includes-electric-delivery-in-rebate-plan-renault-kangoo-ze/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/uk-includes-electric-delivery-in-rebate-plan-renault-kangoo-ze/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/02/22/uk-includes-electric-delivery-in-rebate-plan-renault-kangoo-ze/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The UK's inclusion of battery-electric delivery vehicles in its alt-fuel rebate program makes Renault's Kangoo Van Z.E. eligible for the incentive, the French automaker said.

With the new plug-in program providing a rebate of as much as 20 percent of a new EV's price, Kangoo Van Z.E. buyers may get a refund of as much as 3,398 British pounds (about $5,400 U.S. at today's exchange rates) from the UK government. The Renault is one of seven battery-electric vans deemed eligible for the program, and all three versions are also exempt from the London congestion charge.

Last month, the UK government extended its electric-vehicle tax credit to 2015 and added electric vans. Personal EV buyers get as much as a 25 percent credit, up to 5,000 pounds ($7,880), making the incentive slightly more generous than the $7,500 tax credit provided by the U.S. government to EV buyers. The commercial EV credit is as much as 20 percent of the purchase price, up to 8,000 British pounds ($12,600).

The Renault differs from EVs such as the Nissan Leaf in that consumers pay for the vehicle without the battery, then rent the battery for as little as 60 British pounds a month.

Continue reading UK includes electric delivery vans in rebate plan; Renault Kangoo ZE now eligible

UK includes electric delivery vans in rebate plan; Renault Kangoo ZE now eligible originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehicleev rebatekangoorebaterenaulttax creditu.k.uk ev rebatevansWed, 22 Feb 2012 07:49:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20176625/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20176625/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/22/uk-includes-electric-delivery-in-rebate-plan-renault-kangoo-ze/20176625/article-detail.xml 20176625 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/renault-kangoo-ze-van_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/renault-kangoo-ze-van.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/http://green.autoblog.com/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Nissan reached an agreement to make four-cylinder engines at its Tennessee plant for Mercedes-Benz, marking a continuation of a collaboration launched in 2010 between Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG and the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Nissan will start making four-cylinder powertrains for Mercedes-Benz starting in 2014 and will expand production to as many as 250,000 engines a year, Daimler said in a recent statement. The engines will be for Mercedes-Benz's North American C-Class vehicles, which will be built at Daimler's Alabama plant.

Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance began collaborating in 2010 that in a move that gave Daimler a 3.1 percent stake in Renault and Nissan and gave Renault-Nissan a 3.1 percent share of Daimler. That partnership includes combining design efforts for Daimler's Smart and Renault's Twingo two-seat vehicles. In addition, Daimler will supply batteries for the Twingo battery-electric vehicles, while Renault-Nissan is building electric motors for Smart's EVs.

Mercedes-Benz is expanding its efforts to make four-cylinder vehicles in order to meet progressively more stringent U.S. fuel-economy and greenhouse-gas emissions standards. Among the 14 largest vehicle makers in the U.S., Daimler had the second-worst fleetwide fuel economy to Chrysler for the 2010 model year, according to the U.S. environmental protection agency.

Continue reading Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee

Nissan will make four-cylinder engines for Mercedes' 'Baby Benz' in Tennessee originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-classdaimlerfour-cylindermercedes-benznissanrenaultrenault-nissan alliancetennesseeThu, 12 Jan 2012 09:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20146602/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20146602/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/12/nissan-will-make-four-cylinder-engines-for-mercedes-baby-benz/20146602/article-detail.xml 20146602 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/merccclass_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/merccclass.jpg <![CDATA[Better Place signs deal with rental company in Israel]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/better-place-signs-deal-with-rental-company-in-israel/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/better-place-signs-deal-with-rental-company-in-israel/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/better-place-signs-deal-with-rental-company-in-israel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Fluence ZE

If you want to try out one of Better Place's electric vehicles, you'd have to move to a country where the project is establishing its infrastructure or else wait for it to come to your neighborhood. At least that's how it was looking until now. Because the latest announcement from the electric-vehicle startup has us booking our tickets for Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport.

Actually, we already swung by Tel Aviv to experience the Better Place model first hand, but soon you'll be able to as well. That's because Better Place Israel has just announced a rental deal with one of the country's biggest agencies. Starting in the new year, Eldan will offer the Renault Fluence Z.E. for rent, with full access to the Better Place network of charging posts and battery-switching stations.

The rentals are being targeted at private consumers (like you and me) as well as at corporate fleets - that is, the remaining ones Better Place hasn't already signed on to contract, anyway. Book your tickets now and you could be floating down to the Dead Sea, touring Jerusalem's holy sites and cruising the eastern Mediterranean coast in electric bliss in no time. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Better Place signs deal with rental company in Israel

Better Place signs deal with rental company in Israel originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>better placeeldaneldan groupelectric vehiclefluencefluence zerenault fluence zerent-a-carrentalThu, 15 Dec 2011 09:53:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20127773/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20127773/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/better-place-signs-deal-with-rental-company-in-israel/20127773/article-detail.xml 20127773 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fluence-ze-bp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/fluence-ze-bp.jpg <![CDATA[Renault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and Clio]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/renault-integrating-custom-tablet-into-2012-zoe-and-clio/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/renault-integrating-custom-tablet-into-2012-zoe-and-clio/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/12/09/renault-integrating-custom-tablet-into-2012-zoe-and-clio/#commentsFiled under: ,

Renault R-Link

We've seen plenty of tablets embedded into concepts and project cars, but Renault looks to be the first major automaker to bring a fully functional and embedded tablet into a production vehicle. And it's doing it in two new cars due to arrive next year.

At the LeWeb consumer electronics show in France, Renault unveiled R-Link, a voice-activated telematics platform that combines entertainment, navigation and social functions into a single, integrated seven-inch touchscreen display.

The tablet - which we assume is removable, so this isn't just a glorified touchscreen - can be controlled through either voice commands, the screen or the steering wheel, and Renault claims that 50 apps will be available when it launches on both the new Clio and electric Zoe models next year.

Navigation is provided by TomTom and Renault is courting developers to bring even more apps to market. However, the French automaker remains mum on specs and the operating system, both of which could pose a challenge to devs. Hit the jump for the release.

Continue reading Renault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and Clio

Renault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and Clio originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioelectric vehiclerenaultrenault cliorenault r-linkrenault zoezoezoe evFri, 09 Dec 2011 11:56:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124521/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20124521/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/09/renault-integrating-custom-tablet-into-2012-zoe-and-clio/20124521/article-detail.xml 20124521 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/14-renault-r-link-press-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/14-renault-r-link-press-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ghosn says the world will want 500,000 Renault-Nissan electric cars a year by 2020]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/ghosn-says-the-world-will-want-500-000-renault-nissan-electric-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/ghosn-says-the-world-will-want-500-000-renault-nissan-electric-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/28/ghosn-says-the-world-will-want-500-000-renault-nissan-electric-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Carlos Ghosn with 2011 Nissan Leaf

The way Carlos Ghosn repeatedly touts the benefits of electric vehicles, you'd think he knows something the rest of the industry doesn't. For now, it appears he's right, since sales of the Nissan Leaf continue to be constrained by supply and not demand. What makes the Renault-Nissan CEO endlessly interesting is that he doesn't back off of his stance no matter what's happening in the world. The best response to the earthquake in Japan? EVs. A competitive automotive industry? EVs. Giving the customers what they want? You get the picture.

Speaking with Automotive News recently, Ghosn made it clear that his. Some interesting tidbits include that Ghosn doesn't expect U.S. production of the Leaf (in Smyrna, TN) will lower the price at all, it'll just help Nissan move toward what it wants, "which is a sustainable model without support from the government." He sees global demand for his companies' EVs to reach 500,000 a year globally by 2020. As he pushes forwards to that goal, he's also looking as hybrids (like the Altima hybrid) in the near term, saying Nissan will have "very significant" gas-electric market share by 2015, but one that "could be smaller than electric [market share]."

Ghosn says the world will want 500,000 Renault-Nissan electric cars a year by 2020 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altima hybridcarlos ghosnelectric vehicleeuropeghosnleafnissannissan evnissan leafrenaultrenault evMon, 28 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20115291/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20115291/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/28/ghosn-says-the-world-will-want-500-000-renault-nissan-electric-c/20115291/article-detail.xml 20115291 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/leaf-grndbrk-02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/leaf-grndbrk-02.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Twizy says hello to Paris in Colette store window]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/renault-twizy-says-hello-to-paris-in-colette-store-window/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/renault-twizy-says-hello-to-paris-in-colette-store-window/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/11/25/renault-twizy-says-hello-to-paris-in-colette-store-window/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's not often that an automaker says this about its own car: "It looks like a toy and drives like a toy." Sure, Renault follows this up with, "but it isn't a toy," but by that point the message has been delivered: the all-electric Renault Twizy is not your usual vehicle.

Maybe that's why a Twizy is going to be sitting in the Parisian high fashion concept store Colette for five days next month, attracting customers with its unusual looks. Renault says that the Twizy is an "authentic UDO, or 'Unidentified Driving Object', worthy of the best science fiction films." Once drawn in by its quirky tractor beam, customers can reserve their Twizy right in the store (get details on the car here). Because who doesn't want an EV with their fancy make up?

Continue reading Renault Twizy says hello to Paris in Colette store window

Renault Twizy says hello to Paris in Colette store window originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coletteelectric vehicleparisrenault twizytwizytwizy colettetwizy evFri, 25 Nov 2011 08:54:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20112940/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20112940/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/25/renault-twizy-says-hello-to-paris-in-colette-store-window/20112940/article-detail.xml 20112940 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/renault-twizy-colette-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/renault-twizy-colette-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jean-Luc Moulène turns Renault Twizy into wild Body of art sculpture]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/jean-luc-moulene-turns-renault-twizy-into-wild-body-of-art-sculp/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/jean-luc-moulene-turns-renault-twizy-into-wild-body-of-art-sculp/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/20/jean-luc-moulene-turns-renault-twizy-into-wild-body-of-art-sculp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Body of art sculpture

The styling of the funky all-electric Renault Twizy Z.E. has inspired artist Jean-Luc Moulène to create a just-as-funky contemporary sculpture.

Called Body, Jean-Luc Moulène describes his modern masterpiece:
Body and Twizy are two objects from a journey of reflection. This is the form that comes to reveal their common quest: both take the risk of a form and innovation. The technological study Twizy then joined the artistic intuition Body
When the automotive world and contemporary art collide, amazing works result, says Jean-Luc Moulène. Body consists of twelve randomly shaped sections. Each segment is painted in the three primary colors, with each hue fading to white. We think it's next to impossible to visualize Body's tie to the Renault Twizy, but were not artists.

Body will be exhibited at contemporary art studios across the globe, including in New York, Madrid and London.

Continue reading Jean-Luc Moulène turns Renault Twizy into wild Body of art sculpture

Jean-Luc Moulène turns Renault Twizy into wild Body of art sculpture originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bodybody sculpturejean-luc moulenerenaultrenault twizytwizyThu, 20 Oct 2011 13:55:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20085668/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20085668/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/20/jean-luc-moulene-turns-renault-twizy-into-wild-body-of-art-sculp/20085668/article-detail.xml 20085668 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/renaultgroup3040616_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/renaultgroup3040616.jpg <![CDATA[Renault stages colossal Kangoo Z.E, Fluence Z.E. test drive event in Portugal]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/renault-stages-colossal-kangoo-z-e-fluence-z-e-test-drive-even/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/renault-stages-colossal-kangoo-z-e-fluence-z-e-test-drive-even/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/renault-stages-colossal-kangoo-z-e-fluence-z-e-test-drive-even/#commentsFiled under: , ,

renault fluence z.e.

We drove 'em both at the 2011 Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin, Germany earlier this year, and now it's the rest of the world's turn to strap in behind the wheels of the Renault Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. electric vehicles in one of the largest and longest media events for a plug-in vehicle we've ever heard of.

From September 29 through mid-November, Renault will present two of its electrified machines to the international press. The French automaker has chosen Portugal as the site for this colossal test drive and expects some 720 journalists from around the globe to come drive the 70 Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Z.E. vehicles on hand.

They'll come from far and wide, says Renault, with media types from all of Europe, and even far away lands, including Australia, India, China, Singapore , Israel, Russia, Morocco, Algeria, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico, expected to attend the 45-day test drive event. Why Portugal? Well, it's got chargers, loads of them.

Continue reading Renault stages colossal Kangoo Z.E, Fluence Z.E. test drive event in Portugal

Renault stages colossal Kangoo Z.E, Fluence Z.E. test drive event in Portugal originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefluence z.e.kangoo z.e.mobi.eportugalrenaultrenault electric vehiclerenault fluence z.e.renault kangoo z.e.test driveMon, 17 Oct 2011 09:19:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20082388/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20082388/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/17/renault-stages-colossal-kangoo-z-e-fluence-z-e-test-drive-even/20082388/article-detail.xml 20082388 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/bibendum-2011-renault-fluence-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/bibendum-2011-renault-fluence-630.jpg <![CDATA[Renault unleashes more details on electric Twizy trio]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/renault-unleashes-more-details-on-electric-twizy-trio/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/renault-unleashes-more-details-on-electric-twizy-trio/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/11/renault-unleashes-more-details-on-electric-twizy-trio/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Renault Twizy

More details, albeit of the UK-only flavor, have emerged on the upcoming trio of Renault Twizy electric two-seaters.

Across the pond, French automaker Renault will offer three variations of the quirky Twizy: Urban, Colour and Technic. The bargain-basement version, the Urban, will start at £6,690 ($10,452 U.S. at today's exchange rate) when it hits dealerships in March of 2012. Moving up to the mid-range Twizy Colour will set UK buyers back £6,950 ($10,858) and the top-level Technic checks in at £7,400 ($11,561). None of those prices include the battery, which Renault will lease to buyers for as low as £40 ($62) a month, based on a three-year lease with 4,500 miles of use per year.

The only noticeable difference between the Urban and the Colour is in the exterior paintwork, with the Colour version available with stylized contrasting bodywork, while the Urban variant is only available in solid red, black, grey or blue. The top-level Technic comes in metallic black or pearly white and features black alloy wheels, some carbon-fiber bits and a white driver's seat. Click here to discover more about the funky Renault Twizy.

Renault unleashes more details on electric Twizy trio originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclerenaultrenault colourrenault electric vehiclerenault technicrenault twizyrenault urbantwizyTue, 11 Oct 2011 17:29:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20078084/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20078084/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/11/renault-unleashes-more-details-on-electric-twizy-trio/20078084/article-detail.xml 20078084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/leadrenaulttwizyparis2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/leadrenaulttwizyparis2010.jpg <![CDATA[Renault to sell 15,600 electric vehicles to French government]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/renault-to-sell-15-600-electric-vehicles-to-french-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/renault-to-sell-15-600-electric-vehicles-to-french-government/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/07/renault-to-sell-15-600-electric-vehicles-to-french-government/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault electric vehicles

Automaker Renault has been awarded a massive contract to supply the French government and its state-owned postal service, La Poste, with up to 15,600 electric vehicles, according to a report in the French newspaper Le Figaro.

Renault nabbed a significant chunk of France's recently announced 25,000-unit electric vehicle purchase order, according to Le Figaro. Yes, we said an order for 25,000 EVs. Renault will supposedly supply 10,000 electric vehicles to La Poste and approximately 5,600 plug-ins to other government-owned agencies. The contract is expected to be officially announced in mid-October after some legal hurdles are overcome, according to a Renault spokeswoman.

Additionally, Le Figaro reports that PSA Peugeot-Citroen will be awarded a contract to supply some 3,900 electric vehicles to government officials in France.

Renault to sell 15,600 electric vehicles to French government originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclefrancefrench governmentgovernmentreanult electric vehiclerenaultFri, 07 Oct 2011 17:40:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20073535/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20073535/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/07/renault-to-sell-15-600-electric-vehicles-to-french-government/20073535/article-detail.xml 20073535 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/23704hdren2010renaultvefc2057087_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/23704hdren2010renaultvefc2057087.jpg <![CDATA[Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/team-lotus-extends-formula-one-engine-deal-with-renault-will-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/team-lotus-extends-formula-one-engine-deal-with-renault-will-us/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/team-lotus-extends-formula-one-engine-deal-with-renault-will-us/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Team Lotus of Formula One confirmed it will extend its F1 engine deal with Renault through to the end of 2013. The team, headed by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, announced at the Singapore Grand Prix that it will employ a Red Bull-developed KERS system starting in 2012. Fernandes said the Team Lotus-Renault-Red Bull deal will put the team on a more even playing field:
We have done the very best job we can this year but without that extra power we are always competing on a different level to the teams ahead, so to give our drivers that boost is a key element of helping us catch the cars ahead, and compete with them when we do so.
Renault Sport F1 head Jean-François Caubet said KERS - a system which transforms kinetic energy into useable power, providing Formula One racers with a six-second, 80-horsepower boost - is essential to competitive performance in F1.

Team Lotus extends Formula One engine deal with Renault, will use KERS in 2012 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula onekerskers hybridlotusred bullrenaultteam lotusFri, 30 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20065790/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20065790/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/team-lotus-extends-formula-one-engine-deal-with-renault-will-us/20065790/article-detail.xml 20065790 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/54034800711b35511c1fo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/54034800711b35511c1fo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Twizy-based electric Mobility Concept to hit Japan's streets in October]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/nissans-twizy-based-electric-mobility-concept-to-hit-japans-st/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/nissans-twizy-based-electric-mobility-concept-to-hit-japans-st/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/nissans-twizy-based-electric-mobility-concept-to-hit-japans-st/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan New Mobility Concept

Nissan's Renault Twizy-based New Mobility Concept - an urban electric vehicle revealed back in November of 2010 - is just about ready to roam the roads in Japan.

On September 29, Nissan announced that seven electric Mobility Concepts will hit public streets in and around Yokohama, Japan as part of the automaker's urban mobility trial. The first batch of Mobility Concepts will be wheeled out October 15 and the second phase will kick off on November 17. That second stage is where local residents - and even tourists - will get to test the two-seat Mobility Concept on public roads.

Nissan's aim with these trials is to prove that the vehicle's maneuverability, compact dimensions (just 7.7 feet long) and zero-emissions driving at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour make perfect sense for most urban commuters. Seven vehicles should do it, no?

Nissan's Twizy-based electric Mobility Concept to hit Japan's streets in October originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclejapananew mobility conceptnissannissan new mobility conceptrenault twizytwizyThu, 29 Sep 2011 18:34:00 EST http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20069999/article-comments.xml http://green.autoblog.com/feed/20069999/article-comments.html http://green.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/29/nissans-twizy-based-electric-mobility-concept-to-hit-japans-st/20069999/article-detail.xml 20069999 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nissan-new-mobility-concept-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/nissan-new-mobility-concept-1.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan looks to corner quick-charge industry with half-price unit]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/nissan-looks-to-corner-quick-charge-industry-with-half-price-uni/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/nissan-looks-to-corner-quick-charge-industry-with-half-price-uni/http://green.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/nissan-looks-to-corner-quick-charge-industry-with-half-price-uni/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan leaf hooked to quick charge station

Nissan has teamed up with leading European firms, including Circutor, DBT, Efacec, Endesa and Siemens, to speed development and installation of public-access quick-charge stations across Europe.

This agreement centers on the widespread deployment of Nissan's sub-$10,000 quick-charger, a unit which the Japanese automakers says will pave the way for businesses, including service stations, parking lot operators and retail outlets to install quick chargers and operate them as a profitable commercial enterprise.

For Nissan, the deployment of quick-charge units throughout Europe will likely make its Leaf more practical, as the vehicle will be able to conquer longer journeys by recharging to 80 percent capacity in less than 30 minutes. This, Nissan says/hopes, should boost Leaf sales tremendously across Europe. Nissan says the main goal of this agreement is to have thousands of quick-charge stations installed throughout Europe by the end of 2012 and - are you ready for this? - tens of thousands by 2015.

Continue reading Nissan looks to corner quick-charge industry with half-price unit

Nissan looks to corner quick-charge industry with half-price unit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault-Nissan and Daimler logos
There's now word that the Daimler AG and Renault-Nissan tie-up, a collaborative deal that was made official back in April of 2010, is set to expand to include a compact Infiniti model that will feature a platform developed by Mercedes-Benz as well as a pair of electric vehicles. These are all slated to launch in 2014.

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Renault-Nissan chief executive officer Carlos Ghosn told reporters that Mercedes and Infiniti would swap engines and that Nissan's luxury automaker would utilize a Mercedes platform for its set-to-debut-in-2014 compact.

Additionally, Ghosn stated that the two projects that formed the original basis for the strategic agreement - a common platform for Smart's future vehicle and the Renault Twingo; and an electric vehicle deal that supposedly involves two subcompacts - are on schedule. This means that we should expect the 2014 arrival of a pair of electric vehicles, with one a battery-powered Twingo and the other an undisclosed electric Smart.

Renault-Nissan, Daimler working on pair of electric vehicles for 2014 debut originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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