Renault is planning an electric offensive in Latin America. From 2023, the French manufacturer plans to offer the electric models Megane E-Tech Electric, Kangoo E-Tech Electric and Master E-Tech Electric in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. In addition, the Kwid E-Tech Electric is to be launched in other countries in Central and South America.
The French company plans to launch the electric Megane and Kangoo in Brazil from the first half of 2023 and then in Argentina, Colombia and Mexico in the year’s second half. The new electric Master will be available in Brazil as well as Colombia and Mexico from the first half of next year. Argentina is not mentioned here.
For the electric small car Kwid E-Tech Electric, known here as Dacia Spring Electric, Renault is planning an even broader launch in Central and South America: the electric car is to roll into Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Curaçao, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic from the first half of the year. The market launch in Brazil already took place this year. The first deliveries to the country on Sugar Loaf Mountain took place in August, Renault reports.
Regarding the Brazilian launch of the Kwid E-Tech Electric, the manufacturer specifies that after a presentation programme in April 2022, the first batch of 750 vehicles was completely sold out. In addition, Renault’s mobility brand Mobilize announces an agreement with ride-hailing provider Zarp Localiza to offer 200 more examples of the Kwid E-Tech Electric to Uber drivers in São Paulo. Drivers will be able to benefit from various services related to the vehicle – including access to charging stations via the Mobilize charging app.
The E-Tech label covers both electric cars and light commercial vehicles. In Europe, the E-Tech range accounted for 36 per cent of vehicle sales in the first half of 2022, according to Renault. Specifically, more than 30,000 Megane E-Tech Electric were ordered in Europe, it said. While selling e-cars in Latin America is not yet a priority for many manufacturers, Renault is making an early push to serve this still small market. The French carmaker says it has “the largest distribution network for electric vehicles in the country” in Brazil.
“Electrified markets are booming, and Renault is well placed to serve customers with products that suit their needs,” expresses Fabrice Cambolive, chief operating officer of the Renault brand. “Our E-TECH Electric range is in line with customers aspirations to drive vehicles offering low running costs and sustainable mobility.”
Renault had unveiled the compact Megane E-Tech Electric in autumn 2021. As the first electric vehicle on Renault’s CMF EV platform, it marks the beginning of a new generation of vehicles for the French company. As a volume model, it is intended to attract a broad customer base. In June of this year, the manufacturer also presented the new generation of its classic electric utility vehicles: the Kangoo Rapid E-Tech Electric is the second generation of the battery-powered Renault compact van. In addition, the engineers have revised the larger electric Master in the class up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight.
Keyword: Renault prepares to enter Latin American markets