Tag Archives: Renault

Renault CEO Luca de Meo Resigns, Heads to Luxury Giant Kering

Renault Group is preparing for a leadership transition as CEO Luca de Meo announces his departure, ending a transformative five-year period marked by an ambitious turnaround and renewed market relevance. De Meo, who took the reins of the embattled French automaker in July 2020, will officially step down on July 15, with reports suggesting he will take on the role of CEO at luxury conglomerate Kering.

De Meo’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, especially given his widely praised revival of Renault through bold strategy, brand reinvention, and a renewed focus on profitability. When he arrived from SEAT—where he had previously driven a dramatic resurgence—the challenge at Renault was daunting. The company had just posted a record half-year net loss of €7.3 billion amid internal turmoil and an uncertain industry landscape.

Undeterred, de Meo launched the “Renaulution” plan, aimed at reshaping Renault’s identity and operations. He shifted the focus toward higher-margin vehicles, streamlined development timelines, and slashed underperforming models. A key part of this strategy was the emotional revival of the brand’s heritage, culminating in the rebirth of iconic nameplates such as the Renault 5.

Reimagined as a fully electric city car, the new R5 made waves in a market skeptical of EVs, thanks to its retro-inspired design, purposeful technology, and accessible appeal. It was quickly followed by a crossover reinterpretation of the Renault 4, and the much-loved Twingo is set for a comeback next year, drawing heavily from the original’s charm and practicality.

Beyond Renault’s core brand, de Meo also strengthened its Romanian sibling, Dacia, positioning it as a major player in Europe’s affordable vehicle segment. The Bigster SUV expanded Dacia’s lineup, and a new budget-friendly electric model—expected in 2026—will replace the Spring and be built in Europe.

Despite these accomplishments, de Meo has chosen to pivot his career. According to Le Figaro, he will become the new CEO of Kering, the luxury powerhouse that owns labels including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. The move marks a significant shift from automotive to high fashion and luxury goods.

“There comes a moment in life when one knows that the job is done,” de Meo said in a statement. “At Renault Group, we have faced enormous challenges in less than five years. We have achieved what many thought was impossible. Today, the results speak for themselves: they are the best in our history.”

Renault’s board of directors is now in the process of identifying a successor who can maintain the momentum and guide the company into its next chapter, especially as the industry faces continued transformation around electrification and mobility.

Luca de Meo, 58, leaves Renault not just as a skilled manager but as a visionary who reshaped one of France’s most iconic industrial players—and did so against the odds.

Source: Renault, Le Figaro

2025 Renault 5 E-Tech Five costs under 25,000 euros

After months of anticipation, Renault has officially unveiled the most budget-friendly version of its retro-inspired electric car—the Renault 5 E-Tech Five. Priced at €24,900 before incentives, the French automaker has fulfilled its promise to keep the model under the symbolic €25,000 threshold, although with some compromises in features compared to higher-end variants.

Positioned as an accessible EV, the 5 E-Tech Five is built on Renault’s AmpR Small platform, sharing its foundation with other R5 models. The basic version comes with a distinctive green exterior, full LED lighting, 18-inch steel wheels, 7-inch digital instrument cluster with 10-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, an electric parking brake, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. For those seeking personalization, Renault offers an optional black paint finish, a 22 kW charging cable, and an anti-theft system.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Renault 5 E-Tech Five is powered by a single electric motor with a 95 hp and 215 Nm of torque, paired with a 40 kWh battery. While performance is modest—0-100 km/h in 12 seconds and a top speed of 130 km/h—the car offers a claimed range of 310 km (WLTP) with an energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/100 km.

Charging is supported at 11 kW AC, with a 15-80% recharge taking 2 hours and 37 minutes. Buyers can opt for a 22 kW Type 2 cable as an extra, improving charging flexibility.

With this model, Renault completed its offer, spanning from €24,900 for the entry-level version up to €36,400 for the high-end 150 hp Comfort Range Roland-Garros edition. Thanks to various European incentives, buyers in some countries could drive home the retro-styled EV for as little as €20,000.

As Renault strengthens its position in the affordable EV segment, the 5 E-Tech Five is expected to boost sales further, potentially securing a spot among Europe’s top 10 best-selling electric cars this year. Renault’s move is also a clear signal to Chinese EV manufacturers, which have been expanding aggressively in Europe.

Source: Renault

Renault 5 Turbo 3E will cost 155,000 euros

In late 2024, Renault announced the return of the sporty hatchback but as an all-electric, the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. It is inspired by the Renault 5 Turbo/Turbo 2 models that were produced in the 80s. Only 1,980 cars will be produced and the first 500 units will cost 155,000 euros.

It is built on an extremely stiff carbon monocoque chassis with a retro design. Although it weighs 1,450 kg, the company is confident that it will be able to shed a few kilograms by the start of production. It is equipped with boxy wheel arches, pronounced bumpers and sills, modified LED headlights compared to the standard R5, a sleeker glass section and better aerodynamics, and large rims with ultra-wide tires.

The R5 Turbo 3E is powered by two electric motors with a total output of 536 hp (400 kW). It is Renault’s most powerful production car, and it reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 270 km/h. It uses an 800V platform that allows a maximum charging speed of 350 kW. The lithium-ion 70 kWh battery can be charged from 15 to 80 percent capacity in just 15 minutes, and with a single charge it allows a range of 400 km.

Since the factory price of 155,000 euros is reserved only for the first 500 buyers, it is obvious that Renault urgently needs funds to start producing the car. From next year, buyers will be contacted by selected dealers and will then be able to customize their cars. They will also have the opportunity to meet with Renault designers to create a unique exterior and interior look if they wish.

Source: Renault