The Renault Group plant in Dieppe, northern France, has started assembly of Bollore’s electric Bluecar this month, from bodies and parts brought in by Bollore.
Renault and Bollore are stepping up electric vehicle cooperation following a partnership agreement signed on 9 September 2014.
“At Dieppe, the agreement is warmly welcomed for its positive impact on employment and as a sign of recognition of the plant’s capabilities and know-how,” a media statement said.
The Dieppe plant, which dates to 1969, specializes in small production runs. It currently makes Clio RS 200 EDC and competition vehicles. A dedicated assembly shop has been set up within the plant to handle the work on Bluecar, and will eventually employ thirty people. This provides Bollore with access to a modern production system tailored to its needs.
“Bluecar is a great additional business opportunity for the Dieppe plant, and we appreciate Bollore’s trust in Renault Groupe’s capability to meet their exacting quality and response-time demands, Renault said.
The all-electric Bluecar is equipped with a 35 kW electric motor powered by a 30 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. When fully charged, the battery offers an all-electric driving range of up to 250 km (155 miles) with an electronically limited top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
The Bluecar was previously made only in Italy.
