Renault will build Twizy EV in Spain

Renault announced today that its Valladolid, Spain plant will become the home of a new electric vehicle based on the Twizy Z.E. concept that was show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The Twizy is a peculiar looking two-seat city vehicle and it will be probably change quite a bit before production. The open sides will likely become fully enclosed and the wheel covers probably won't make it to the road, at least not in their current form. That makes two EV production announcements this week for Renault, following yesterday's decision to build a car based on the Zoe concept in France. The Twizy goes into production in 2011 alongside Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus.

[Source: Renault]

press release

RENAULT TO PRODUCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASED ON TWIZY Z.E. CONCEPT IN VALLADOLID, SPAIN

Renault, which already produces Mégane Hatchback, Mégane Estate, Modus and Grand Modus exclusively in Spain, has chosen to manufacture the future electric vehicle (EV) based on Twizy Z.E. Concept at Valladolid, 150 km north west of Madrid. Compact, nimble and practical, the future zero- emission EV will fully meet all sustainable urban mobility needs.

Valladolid was selected for its expertise and performance in compact car production. It currently produces Modus and Grand Modus and a share of New Clio output. The Group also chose to produce its future EV in Spain as close as possible to the sales market, namely Western Europe, in order to simplify logistics. Production will start in 2011.

After France, with the announcement of the production of the future city car based on Zoé Z.E. Concept, it is now the turn of Renault's Spanish production base to prepare for the industrialization of a zero- emission model.

Renault also announced last month that Valladolid would be allocated production of a thermal engine in 2012 and a fuel-combustion vehicle in 2013.

Fully aware of the issues involved in sustainable mobility, Renault has decided to mass market a complete range of affordable zero-emission electric vehicles starting in 2011.