Tag Archives: Renault

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Mitsubishi Unveils New Grandis Crossover for Europe

Mitsubishi has officially unveiled the all-new Grandis for the European market. But fans expecting the return of a family-oriented minivan will be in for a surprise — the Grandis name now adorns a sleek two-row compact crossover, marking a significant departure from its original form.

At its core, the new Grandis is a lightly modified Renault Symbioz, continuing Mitsubishi’s strategy of platform and model sharing within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Visually, however, changes are minimal. Mitsubishi has adopted a styling approach in line with its ASX crossover (itself based on the Renault Captur), and the resemblance to its French sibling is obvious. New 19-inch alloy wheels and discreet Hybrid EV badging on the doors are among the few distinguishing elements.

The rear design offers the most visual personality. Here, the Grandis attempts to set itself apart with taillights inspired by Mitsubishi’s sportier heritage, offering a more assertive look compared to the Symbioz. The tailgate has been redesigned, although the lower bumper — complete with faux air vents — carries over unchanged.

Inside, the Grandis mirrors the Renault interior almost entirely. The dashboard layout, materials, and even the steering wheel are identical, save for the Mitsubishi badge at the center. The five-seat cabin provides between 434 and 566 liters of luggage space, thanks to a sliding second row, and comes well-equipped. Key features include a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen, electric tailgate, panoramic roof with electrochromatic shading, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Underneath, the Grandis rides on an extended version of the CMF-B platform, the same architecture used across several Renault-Nissan models. Buyers will have two powertrains to choose from. The base model features a 1.3-liter turbocharged MHEV (mild hybrid) setup producing 140 hp, available with either a manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

For those seeking more electrification, a full hybrid (HEV) variant pairs a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery, delivering a combined 156 hp. Both versions are front-wheel drive only.

Production of the new Grandis takes place at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain, alongside the Symbioz. European sales are slated to begin by the end of the year. Looking ahead, Mitsubishi plans to expand its electrified lineup with a fully electric Eclipse Cross, derived from the Renault Scenic E-Tech.

Source: Mitsubishi

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Mitsubishi Unveils New Grandis Crossover for Europe
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Renault Megane E-Tech Set for Major Facelift in 2026 to Stay Ahead in EV Race

Renault is preparing to give its all-electric Megane E-Tech a significant mid-cycle refresh in 2026, aiming to keep the stylish crossover relevant in a fast-evolving EV landscape. The facelift comes five years after the model first debuted and is expected to bring a raft of design and technical upgrades that will enhance its competitiveness against newer electric rivals.

While the French automaker has already introduced incremental updates — including one-pedal driving, Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities, and a sportier Esprit Alpine trim — these have only been precursors to a more substantial redesign now in the pipeline.

Spy shots captured during recent road tests hint at a refreshed exterior that draws inspiration from Renault’s latest design language, seen on models like the Scenic E-Tech, Clio, and Captur. Notable updates include slimmer LED headlights, a reimagined front grille, and a more streamlined front bumper. The side profile is expected to remain largely the same, though new alloy wheels and fresh color options are likely. The rear will also benefit from updated LED taillight graphics and a reworked bumper.

Inside, changes are expected to be minimal. The Megane E-Tech was the first Renault model to debut the brand’s Google-powered OpenR infotainment system and advanced digital cockpit — features that still feel modern and have since been integrated across Renault’s range.

Under the surface, however, the Megane E-Tech will see its most meaningful enhancements. Renault is planning to swap out the current 40 kWh and 60 kWh LG Chem battery packs — which are currently imported — for new ones sourced from AESC’s factory in Douai, France. These new packs are anticipated to boost the vehicle’s range beyond the current 470 km (290 miles), offering greater peace of mind for long-distance drivers.

The facelift could also introduce faster charging capabilities, potentially bringing 150 kW DC fast charging to the lineup, similar to what’s expected on the upcoming Nissan Leaf, which shares the same CMF-EV platform.

Details about potential powertrain updates remain unclear. The existing Megane E-Tech offers two electric motor options: a 129 hp (96 kW) version and a more powerful 215 hp (160 kW) variant. However, the high-performance three-motor system found in the forthcoming Alpine A390 — delivering up to 463 hp (345 kW) — is not expected to make its way into the Megane.

Renault is targeting a late 2025 reveal for the updated Megane E-Tech, with a full market launch scheduled for 2026. Looking even further ahead, the company is already developing a next-generation Megane, slated for release around 2029, underscoring Renault’s long-term commitment to electrification and innovation in the compact EV segment.

With these updates, the Megane E-Tech is poised to maintain its relevance and appeal in a fiercely competitive market, blending contemporary design, improved range, and smart technology — all with the Renault flair.

Source: Renault

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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