What?
Rumors are swirling in the Western auto media about a Chinese partner assisting Renault in producing an electric version of the Twingo set to hit the market in 2026, priced below 20,000 EUR. Though the Chinese collaborator remains anonymous, Geely and Dongfeng emerge as the top contenders. Renault’s electric car development arm, Ampere, is spearheading the creation of the Twingo alongside other projects like the Renault 5 EV. The collaboration with Geely led to the formation of Horse Powertrain Limited, focusing on ICE and hybrid powertrains.
Why does it matter?
Geely’s ties with Renault run deep, with the acquisition of a stake in Renault Korea and a history of cooperation on hybrid and EV models. Geely’s expertise in compact modular architecture and hybrid powertrains positions them as a strong candidate for the Twingo project. The partnership with Geely suggests a strategic alignment in the development of electric vehicles, potentially reshaping the future of Renault’s EV offerings in Europe and beyond.
How is it going to shape the future?
The collaboration between Renault and Geely hints at a shift towards more fuel-efficient and electric vehicle models entering the market. Geely’s track record in producing smaller EVs complements Renault’s vision for affordable electric cars like the Twingo. With Geely’s expertise and Renault’s innovative approach, the Twingo EV could mark a significant milestone in the electric vehicle segment. The strategic alliance between these two automotive giants paves the way for future advancements in sustainable mobility solutions.