‘Eight-year battery warranty!’
She is very open in conversation, sometimes almost too honest, the head of Renault, Alpine, Dacia and Mobilize in Switzerland. Claudia Meyer also knows what she is talking about, having been in the car business for more than 25 years. And she is experiencing good times right now.
radical: The Renault Group is doing well. Why?
Claudia Meyer: The Renaultion plan was presented in 2020. At the time, it was clearly communicated that the company needed to be transformed. There was a very clear analysis, including in terms of the development of CO2 regulations – and there was a commitment from Renault to continue offering products in all segments. This also included the C segment, where Renault was no longer represented. And we’ve been doing our job ever since. Although the conditions were certainly good. Renault has played a pioneering role in e-mobility, and has a great deal of expertise in this area. Costs have been reduced, production has been relocated back to Europe for greater efficiency, shorter distances and better sustainability. New platforms – several in fact – have been developed, a great deal has been invested in lightweight construction, and the right partners have been sought. The first products could then be introduced from 2022. But of course, the expertise of the (Swiss) dealer network is also essential for this. Renault spoke out against an agency model early on and firmly. We were always aware that we need the dealers, their knowledge, their relationships. But the fact that Renault opted for a dual strategy was probably also crucial – the aim is to ensure that every customer can find the vehicle in our group that meets their needs and budget.
radical: This dual strategy, i.e. offering both electric cars and combustion engines, is certainly an important point. Renault can react very flexibly to the current needs of the market.
Meyer: That is a very important point. Throughout the entire transformation process, it was always clear to us that not all potential customers would be able to follow us immediately. This is because a political framework is also needed for this. The e-infrastructure is still in the early stages of development, and home charging in particular is still a long way from what politicians actually promised carmakers. We at Renault work with five-year plans, and I think we’ve done our homework. However, the external circumstances and political framework are still lagging about three years behind. This also applies, for example, to price certainty for electricity.
radical: In Europe, however, the signs are pointing to a storm in the field of electromobility. Do you have an explanation for this? Does this also apply to Switzerland?
Meyer: There is, of course, a certain amount of uncertainty. Certain manufacturers and the media are also to blame. New technologies were always being discussed, take e-fuel, for example. But it is also about the possibility of charging at home. In Switzerland, 55 per cent of residents are tenants, so clarity is needed, and we are also hearing this from our dealers. Switzerland is perhaps something of an island in this respect. Mr and Mrs Swiss are extremely interested in e-mobility, but they are still deciding against it as long as private charging is not regulated. This is a psychological barrier, but somehow understandable, the customers also want security.
radical: When will affordable electric cars be available?
Meyer: Currently, the R5 is definitely affordable. Then comes the R4. And from 2026, there will also be the Twingo – it will be available for under 20,000 francs. But this price discussion is a bit one-sided for me. We also have to talk about what else we offer, such as the eight-year battery warranty. That provides security, and it answers a lot of questions.
radical: Renault is not only one of the pioneers of e-mobility, but has also been strongly committed to recycling and a circular economy for years. Are you already feeling the effects of this?
Meyer: Although these topics may have been pushed into the background somewhat by the current geopolitical situation, I think that this is and remains very important, especially for young people. And they are entitled to make certain demands of companies to get them to get more involved. By 2030, we want to have reduced CO2 emissions by 30 per cent. This applies to all brands and all countries, including us here in Switzerland. There are probably not many manufacturers that have analysed the entire value chain like Renault has and are already able to show good results.
radical: The speed with which the Renault Group is introducing new models is extreme. Isn’t the potential customer perhaps a little overwhelmed?
Meyer: There were certainly a lot of new launches this year – there will be eleven new models. But we have also taken many model series out of production because they simply no longer fit the times, no longer met our expectations and plans. But we need a full package to reach the necessary volumes, and the dealers demand that too. Renault sees good opportunities in the A and B segments, also because many other manufacturers are withdrawing from them. And of course we are very strong in commercial vehicles.
This exclusive interview is part of the Renault supplement in our print edition radical #2. You can find the table of contents here.
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