The decade ahead

Renault anticipates that a majority of its powertrains will be downsized to the 0.9- to 1.2-L range and that electric cars will appeal to 30% of the buying public.

With two engineering degrees, a Ph.D. in socio-economics, and a 25-year career with Renault, Chief Operating Officer Patrick Pélata knows full well the effects that the global downturn is having on every aspect of his company.

In the last quarter of 2008, Renault reduced its production globally by 42% and for Europe by 50%, as the realities of the situation really started to bite. But he is optimistic that Renault is well positioned to weather the worst of it, with a car range that includes what he terms “a very young model lineup.” And by 2012, Renault plans to offer a span of electric vehicles that will appeal to 30% of the buying public in its widely spread markets. The electric models will be built in France and in a so-far unconfirmed second country.