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Renault Emblème: a demonstrator of Ampere technologies for decarbonization

Responding to the challenges raised by climate change and the conservation of resources, the automotive industry is engaged in a major transformation. Renault Group is establishing itself as a key player in low-carbon mobility, in line with its Corporate Purpose and Renaulution strategic plan. The Group is targeting carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050. With a target date of 2035 for this same objective, Ampere, its “pure player” entity and European specialist in intelligent electric vehicles, is spearheading the Group’s decarbonization drive.

Ampere is Renault Group’s unprecedented response to the transformation of the automotive industry. Because this challenge involves the company, its subsidiaries, its entities and their partners, it takes an ecosystemic approach. Ampere is convinced that technological innovation is the key to a sustainable future.

No single component of decarbonization can be treated in isolation. For a vehicle, this means working on its entire lifecycle (“from cradle to grave”) in five areas: eco-design, choice of resources, manufacture, use and end-of-life.

Renault Emblème demo car is the result of this approach. Revealed at the Mondial de l’Auto 2024, it reveals a little more today. A vision of a family vehicle, decarbonized “from head to toe”, it emits 90% less greenhouse gases (CO2e) over its entire life cycle than an equivalent vehicle produced today (see methodology section).
Through Emblème, Ampere and Renault are continuing the exploratory studies initiated with the Scénic Vision concept in 2022. Continuing to explore the field of possibilities, their goal is to create a working prototype of a family car – with a spacious, comfortable and high-tech design – while taking decarbonisation to new levels.

Every technical, technological and stylistic choice was dictated by efforts to take decarbonisation to the next level. Renault Emblème explores intelligent, credible and viable combinations, particularly in terms of resources, materials, production, use and end-of-life recovery.

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With a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint of its components, 50% recycled materials and almost all of the materials used which can be recycled at the end of their life, Renault Emblème demonstrates the capacity of Ampere and its partners to innovate in order to maximise vehicle decarbonisation in the future.

Emblème is based on specifications implementing the principles of eco-design. Engineers and designers worked together to find the best solutions in terms of aerodynamics and efficiency. The result is stunning: an elegant shooting brake 4.80 metres long, placing equal emphasis on styling and interior space.
Renault Emblème is an invitation to travel with a cabin of contemporary, poetic design. The interior features innovative technologies including a new wide openR panorama screen spanning the length of the dashboard. The rear-mounted dual-energy electric powertrain is powered by electricity and hydrogen, an optimal combination for low-carbon driving over both short and long distances.

Emblème embodies our ecosystem approach and the level of our ambition when it comes to building a sustainable future through technological innovation. It is proof that automotive is still driving progress… keeping emotion in the equation! It embodies the future Design Language of the Renault brand, what we call « La Nouvelle Vague ». An average ICE car has a 50 tons footprint: for Emblème, it’s 5 tons, cradle to grave. It’s a masterpiece.”
Luca de Meo, CEO Renault Group, CEO Ampere

A METHODOLOGY BASED ON THE VEHICLE LIFECYCLE ANALYSIS
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a scientific method used to quantify a vehicle’s environmental impacts from cradle to grave. It factors in raw material extraction and component production, as well as vehicle assembly, transport, use, maintenance and recycling. It is the international, multi-criterion tool used by Renault Group. One of its main uses is to calculate the global warming potential associated with greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq.) per vehicle. Note that Renault Group calculates the actual consumption of its vehicles over 200,000 km. Renault Group and Ampere also support the proposal made by the French automotive industry to measure the impact of the entire vehicle life cycle.

Renault Megane E-Tech electric, for example, the emits 24 tonnes of CO2 eq during its life cycle. That is practically half that of an equivalent model running on fossil fuels (50 tonnes of CO2 eq. in the case of a Captur with a petrol engine), showing that all-electric mobility is more virtuous in terms of CO2 eq. emissions. The goal for the Emblème project is just 5 tonnes of CO2 eq. from cradle to grave, i.e. a reduction of almost 90%!

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CONSERVING RESOURCES AND SELECTING RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials extraction and parts manufacturing accounted for 15% of the carbon footprint of Renault Group ICE vehicles in 2020. Involving suppliers in efforts to reduce their environmental footprint is one of the Group’s strategic priorities for achieving its decarbonisation goals. Initiated by Ampere for Renault Group, Renault Emblème is the result of a collaborative project to drive the automotive ecosystem forward. It gives practical form to the most advanced perspectives for minimising the commitment of resources.

A 70% REDUCTION IN THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
In the automotive sector, six materials and components account for 90% of the carbon footprint of purchasing: steel, aluminium, polymers, electronic components, glass and tyres. The collaboration of industrial partners such as ArcelorMittal, CEA (Commissariat à l’énergie atomique), Dicastal, Forvia, Forvia / Hella, HYVIA, Michelin, OPmobility, Plug, ST Microelectronics, Valeo and Verkor, in the eco-design of Renault Emblème made it possible to optimise the choice and diversity of materials, right from the start of the project.

Every detail of the vehicle’s composition was set out in stringent specification. This made it possible to achieve a 70% reduction in the carbon footprint for all materials: steel, aluminium, plastics, tyres, glass, electronics, screens and recyclables. Renault Emblème is designed to include at least 50% of recycled materials and is over 90% recyclable. For the exterior, the materials used (steel, aluminium and plastics) are all fully recyclable at end of life.

A LOW-CARBON BATTERY
Ampere is seeking to develop low-carbon, sustainable batteries. Changes have been made across the value chain to conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions. Building on the strategic partnerships already in place, the battery of Renault Emblème explores all the areas identified.

  • A sustainable nickel supply, based on a strategic partnership with Terrafame to secure low-carbon nickel sulphate and guarantee traceability throughout the supply chain. Through this agreement, Renault Group has secured a significant supply of nickel sulphate, representing an annual capacity of around 15 GWh.
  • A sustainable lithium supply, based on a 5-year strategic partnership with Vulcan Energy as part of the Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project. The purpose is to secure between 6,000 and 17,000 tonnes of lithium per year for electric batteries
  • Closed-loop recycling of strategic materials (cobalt, nickel, lithium) to produce new batteries. Eighty percent of recycled strategic materials will be used to make new batteries by 2030.

INNOVATION IN MATERIALS
The interiors of modern cars include a wide variety of materials, such as carpets, plastics, felt and foam. This diversity meets aesthetic and technical criteria (sound insulation, comfort, perceived quality…) but is complex to produce and recycle. The ideal solution is to use just one type of a material. Scenic Vision led the way in this respect, using only recycled and recyclable polyester for the foam, upholstery and seat seams. The colour and materials designers of Renault Emblème sought to go even further. Polyester is used not only in woven form for the seats, but has also been thermoformed as a floor covering. It is even found in the coloured scraps of the upholstery, contributing to the welcoming interior ambience.

All the colors of the 100% recycled and recyclable woven polyester that covers a large part of Renault Emblème’s interior are obtained by weaving just 4 threads of different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black). This process, known as “additive synthesis”, eliminates the need for dyes, emits less CO2 e and produces up to 62 shades of color.
The foam in the seat backs is biocircular, i.e. made from biological waste.

The dashboard of Renault Emblème is upholstered in linen made in Normandy (France). This natural material acts as a carbon sink (it stores CO2) and has been chosen for its aesthetic and structural qualities. Stiffened, it does not require a shell. At the same time, TFT (tailored fibre textile) technology provides a made-to-measure cut generating no waste.

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CLEAR OBJECTIVES FOR THE FUTURE
The target of Renault Group is to increase the recycled content of its vehicles to 33% by weight by 2030 and to achieve a 30% reduction in the CO2 emissions associated with procurement per vehicle by 2030. Concerning the production process, the targets for recycled materials are 55% for steel, 60% for glass and 82% for flat aluminium by 2035.

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY, RELIABLE, HIGH-TECH VOITURE À VIVRE
The ambition of the Renault Emblème project was to maximise decarbonisation with a car that is family-friendly, attractive, comfortable, high-tech and versatile. More than a concept car, it is a working Ampere technology- powered demo-car unveiled and that is a pleasure to look at, to sit in and to drive. A real invitation to take to the road!

ELEGANT, FLOWING LINES
Renault Emblème features a strongly curved profile. It is an elegant combination of an estate, with a wide wheelbase of 2.90 metres, and a coupé with a moderate height of 1.52 metres and flowing roofline. The shooting brake looks are showcased by the dichroic effect of the green bodywork, making the colour look different depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

The vehicle is 4.80 metres long, making it ideal for comfortable family travel, with passengers and luggage. Emblème also symbolises Renault’s stated ambition to continue innovating in the C segment and higher, in line with its value-based strategy.

Exploring new paths in design inspired by the Renault logo, the light signature is intended to be both high-tech and easily identifiable.

A HIGH-TECH CABIN
Renault Emblème embodies a Ampere’s vision of the future where onboard technologies and innovation are required to be useful, concrete and humanised. This is particularly true of the new cockpit facing the driver and passenger at the front.

The elegantly curved openR panorama screen stretches the entire length of the dashboard. Its size of 1.2 m long and 12 cm high (display in 8K quality on a 48-inch diagonal) offers an unprecedented multimedia experience which means that both driver and passenger can benefit from both shared and dedicated information.

Operation of most functions, such as the multimedia system, is highly intuitive. Operation is via a second touchscreen located on the center console, and a single rotary knob complemented by controls on the steering wheel. The applications available on the second screen appear in the form of tiles (navigation, multimedia, Safety Coach, MyCar, etc.), which you simply slide up to display on the upper screen.

While technology is omnipresent on board Renault Emblème, the approach is very much “Shy Tech”. The interior features create a relaxed ambience, inviting the driver to take the wheel. The central screen gains a low-key matt film, while the buttons and touch-sensitive keys on the doors are housed under the textile. Each screen is energy-efficient, with automatic deactivation of the LEDs in the black display areas and local dimming.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR SAFE, EFFICIENT DRIVING
The operating systems of Renault Emblème use artificial intelligence to make life easier for the driver, while also contributing to energy efficiency and onboard safety.

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  • Using the driving aids supplied through the advanced human/machine interface, the driver is able to adopt a driving style that is both energy-efficient and safe, in order to further reduce energy consumption. To motivate the driver, the “eco score” and “safety score” apps give specific scores for each journey, along with encouragement and tips for improvement.
  • These driving aids also enable the driver to adapt their driving reflexes in real time, depending on the situation, in order to improve their scores.
  • In the same way as with sports apps, drivers can use their smartphone to analyse their journey, compare themselves with others and earn rewards.

In the same way, the Active Driver Assist system which gives access to driving delegation does so in a contextual manner. It relies on geolocation data associated with specific mapping to predictively adapt driving to the road layout, anticipating roundabouts, bends as well as changes in speed limits, for the benefit of the efficiency and therefore energy consumption.

Finally, the journey planner, continuously optimized according to the evolution of the various parameters (availability of charging points, evolution of vehicle consumption, outside temperature, etc.), suggests the route optimizing energy management in order to consume less while minimizing travel time.

DRIVING: HYPER-VERSATILITY OF USES
Renault Emblème relies on a 160 kW wound-rotor electric motor – without rare earths – powered by dual-energy: a 40 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery housed under the floor pan, and a 30 kW PEMFC fuel cell running on low-carbon hydrogen from a 2.8 kg tank located under the front hoo.

Based on the AmpR Medium platform, the rear-wheel drive architecture hosts the various powertrain components (electric motor, battery, fuel cell and hydrogen tank) while maintaining a low centre of gravity and ideal weight distribution to promote performance and efficiency.

For day-to-day driving, the vehicle functions in the same way as a conventional electric car, with the battery charged by regenerative braking, photovoltaic cells on the roof or from a socket or charge point. It has a range of several hundred kilometres, more than enough for everyday journeys.

For longer journeys, it will rely more on the hydrogen fuel cell in order to minimise charging times.

Renault Emblème is able to cover a distance of up to 1,000 km in the same time as an equivalent ICE vehicle. No electric charging is required, just two stops of less than five minutes for hydrogen refuelling, delivering a range of 350 km. On a typical journey between Paris and Marseille, 75% of the electricity consumed by the vehicle is produced by the fuel cell, with no emissions other than water.

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The multimedia system also includes a route planner to calculate the amount of power supplied by the fuel cell, in order to optimize the use of the battery or even preserve its charge.

Combining the qualities of hydrogen and electric, the dual-energy system delivers all the benefits of electric driving (instant acceleration, silent running, no vibrations). It takes the form of an attractive alternative to pure electric driving, albeit one that is entirely exploratory for the moment.

ONBOARD AMBIENCE: AN INVITATION TO TAKE THE WHEEL
The interior layout and design of Renault Emblème take passengers out of their everyday routine, inviting them on a journey that is both literal and figurative.

The colourful fabric seen on the dashboard, the top of the door panels and the top of the rear bench backrest forms a ring displaying scenes of nature and cityscapes. In a play of sharpness and blur, the car appears to be driving through these landscapes, which appear as real as the ones flashing past the windows outside.

The poetry of the interior is also expressed through wording and texts. The words “ouverture d’esprit” (open mind)can be seen on the door opening controls, and “voyage” (journey) on the straps of the map pockets, resembling rucksacks for hiking.

For the designers who created this universe, the car aspires to take us on a journey while encouraging us to set our sights on the future, a reference to Emblème’s brief as a “vision of the future”.

A GLOBAL APPROACH TO ECO-DESIGN
To achieve 5 tonnes of CO2 e from cradle to grave, Renault Emblème is the result of an ultra-efficient eco-design approach carried out by Ampère on all of its elements since the designers’ first stroke of the pen. The quest for CO2 eq savings involved all stages of the process: from the exterior lines, to the production of interior materials, through to powertrain design. Aided by modern, high-performance tools, the project designers and engineers pushed the cursor to the limit in terms of innovation.

OPTIMISED AERODYNAMICS, INSPIRED BY FORMULA 1

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Efficiency at the core of Renault’s new design language
Renault Emblème symbolises a new holistic approach to vehicle design. The exterior is sporty, elegant and exciting, with sensual volumes and high-tech graphic character lines, making the car a desirable object. The design also reflects meticulous efforts to optimise vehicle aerodynamics. Along with weight, this is one of the key factors in the efficiency of an electric car. The design of the body and of each component was dictated by the need to optimise air penetration and control aerodynamic flow. This objective was achieved with no trade-off in interior space.

The drag coefficient was fine-tuned using digital twin technology and a state-of-the-art digital simulation system provided by the BWT Alpine F1 Team. As part of their productive collaboration, Renault and Ampere engineers conducted iterative testing in the digital wind tunnel, making it possible to optimise passive and active aerodynamics in record time, without actually building a mock-up. Even before it came into existence physically, the entire car was seen to achieve excellence in air penetration, saving valuable time and COeq.

Technology for improved aerodynamics
To avoid breaking the flow, the rearview mirrors of Renault Emblème are replaced by two cameras, tucked into the wheel arches to minimise aerodynamic interference. The windscreen wipers are hidden under the bonnet, while the sensitive e-latch door handles are recessed into the bodywork.

Emblème was designed as an everyday car, so its active aerodynamic features are both low-key and efficient.

  • The fins at the base of the front bumper open and close as required to cool the mechanical components.
  • Under the rear bumper of the Formula 1-inspired flat underbody is an active diffuser, which pivots 5 degrees up and down around a horizontal axis, extending and retracting to balance the air flows over and under the vehicle to minimise drag.
  • The 22-inch tall and narrow tyres have low rolling resistance.

WEIGHT AND WHY IT MATTERS
A vehicle’s weight impacts its COeq. emissions at several levels: when materials are extracted, for production and transport, during use (impact on energy consumption) and when the vehicle is recycled. To minimise vehicle weight to just 1,800 kilos, the designers of Renault Emblème hunted down and eliminated every kg possible:

  • The hydrogen tank is made of carbon
  • The dual-energy electric powertrain – comprising a battery and fuel cell (see details below) – delivers a long range, with a battery that is almost half the weight* of the battery on an all-electric family car with a similar range
  • The doors are 15 kilos lighter than the frameless models found on shooting brakes currently on the market.

* The 40 kWh battery on Emblème weighs 291 kilos compared with 513 kilos for an 87 KwH battery.

AN ALL-ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN COMBINING VERSATILITY AND LOW-CARBON OPERATION
For low-carbon mobility, the electric car is currently the best response. Huge progress has been made in recent years on the energy density of batteries for all-electric cars, but this is still not enough to compete with ICE vehicles in terms of range and journey time. While continuing its research into battery chemistry, Renault Group is therefore exploring the use of hydrogen to power electric motors.

Odourless, colourless and non-corrosive, hydrogen is a gas that produces electricity when burned in a combustion engine or oxidised in a fuel cell, a process that releases only water. Proven solutions exist for storing and producing hydrogen, while charging time at a hydrogen pump is fast: one kilogram per minute (a figure set to increase in the future).

For many years, Renault Group has been conducting research into fuel cells. Combining a fuel cell with a battery reaps the benefits of both technologies to deliver an increased range, with both sources having a balanced power delivery sufficient to keep the vehicle on the road.

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HYVIA is making this technical set-up available on new Renault Master H2 Tech. This solution is suitable for LCVs.

As illustrated by Emblème, Renault Group considers that the dual-energy hydrogen-electric could be envisaged for passenger cars when, to meet the needs of road transport in the first instance, the network of hydrogen pumps is widely deployed on motorways.

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AT CARBON-NEUTRAL SITES
Renault Emblème was designed as a production vehicle based on sustainable, local production, and assembled in low-carbon plants.

A POWERTRAIN BUILT IN FRANCE
The powertrain of Emblème is manufactured locally at the ElectriCity complex. The wound rotor synchronous electric motor uses no rare earths and is manufactured by the Ampere plant in Cléon (France). The recyclable battery is produced with Verkor. Last, the battery casing is made by the Ampere plant in Ruitz.

TOWARDS CARBON NEUTRALITY AT PRODUCTION SITES
Renault Group is seeking to reduce manufacturing-related CO2 emissions by 80% by 2030. Its goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 for manufacturing sites in Europe and by 2050 for all industrial facilities worldwide. To limit its CO₂ emissions, the Group is focusing primarily on green energy and energy efficiency in production. In other words, to “consume less and better”.

In France, Renault Group is optimising the size of its plants and has implemented monitoring software to oversee its use of electricity, gas and water. In 2022, Renault Group set up a dedicated energy portal – Ecogy– as part of its industrial metaverse. This portal groups data for the use of electricity, gas, compressed air, water, etc. in a single interface. Based on the data collected, the system uses AI to optimise consumption and detect leaks and anomalies in real time.

In Spain, energy supplier Iberdrola has been providing all-green electricity for the Palencia and Valladolid plants since 2021.

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A STRONG LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AROUND AMPÈRE ELECTRICITY
ElectriCity is a unique and compact ecosystem, with 75% of suppliers within a 300km radius and 75% of potential customers within 1,000km. This translates into a 40% reduction in logistics costs.


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What happens if you overtake the Guardia Civil on the road?

It is highly probable that you have encountered a Guardia Civil vehicle at some point and have contemplated whether or not to overtake it. The DGT’s recommendation and the consequences of doing so are as follows.

It is crucial to have a clear understanding of how to respond to the authorities. Therefore, what are the consequences if you overtake the Guardia Civil on the road? Well, the Directorate General of Traffic has a clue.

It is probable that you encountered a Guardia Civil vehicle while travelling. At that moment, you are uncertain as to whether you will be able to succeed. There is no need for concern, as this type of situation is a relatively common occurrence.

It is a relatively prevalent occurrence in rural areas, where the Guardia Civil is more prevalent, on secondary roads.

There are numerous drivers who are apprehensive about passing a Guardia Civil vehicle. Nevertheless, there is no regulation prohibiting the overtaking of official vehicles. This includes not only vehicles belonging to theGuardia Civil, but also those belonging to the National Police and the Army.

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The initial response is affirmative. As we have previously noted, the General Traffic Regulations do not prohibit overtaking the Guardia Civil at any time. Passing these vehicles is not detrimental. This is true only if you adhere to the traffic regulations.

In reality, it is a prevalent practice among numerous motorists to abruptly decelerate when they observe a Guardia Civil vehicle, which can be hazardous to the vehicles in their rearview mirrors. That can result in a fine.

In the same vein, if you exhibit unusual behaviour while driving that could impede traffic or arouse suspicions among officers, they may halt you to determine whether there is a problem or if everything is in order.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to consider the law when overtaking any vehicle, not just a Guardia Civil vehicle. Drivers are required to respect the maximum speed limit of the road they are on: On motorways and dual carriageways, the speed limit is 120 km/h, while on secondary highways, it is 90 km/h.

Consequently, if you attempt to outpace a Guardia Civil vehicle travelling at 90 km/h on the highway, you will be subject to a fine. However, the same principle applies when a radar or Pegasus helicopter detects a vehicle surpassing another. There is no issue if the vehicle is travelling at a reduced speed.

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The DGT’s hint


According to the DGT, “overtaking is the act of passing another moving vehicle, which is travelling at a slower speed, in front of the vehicle you are operating.” Generally, you should overtake on the left side of the vehicle you intend to overtake.

Overtaking is a complex manoeuvre that entails a moderate level of risk, particularly on secondary roads, as it necessitates the temporary occupation of the opposite lane.

Consequently, overtaking is only permissible at designated locations when traffic signs authorise it. The DGT suggests that the safety rule “rearview mirror – signal – manoeuvre” be implemented in this context, with the awareness that quicker vehicles may be approaching from behind.

It is crucial to bear in mind that the Traffic Department has eradicated the additional 20 km/h margin for overtaking on conventional roads since the end of 2021. Consequently, the utmost permissible speed is 90 km/h, and it is prohibited to exceed it to overtake another vehicle.

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Renault delivers a fleet of 700 E-Tech full hybrid vehicles ‘Made in Spain’ to Eiffage Energía Sistemas

Renault delivers a fleet of 700 E-Tech full hybrid vehicles

Eiffage Energía Sistemas, a company specialising in electrical infrastructure, installations, maintenance, renewable energy, civil engineering and construction, has added 700 Renault vehicles to its fleet in an operation carried out jointly with the leasing operator Northgate Renting Flexible, a leader in the field of professional mobility.

The delivery of the first units took place at the offices of Eiffage Energía Sistemas, located in Albacete, in an event attended by Eduardo González de la Rocha, commercial and marketing director of Northgate, José Manuel Martínez, CEO and delegate of Eiffage in Spain, and Sébastien Guigues, general manager of Renault and Alpine in Spain.

Commitment to sustainability

The three entities share a commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and moving towards more sustainable mobility. For this reason, this fleet of 700 vehicles is made up of hybrid vehicles that significantly reduce emissions in the urban and interurban areas where they will operate. In addition, by having an Eco environmental badge, they allow access and free movement in low-emission zones.

The vehicles chosen are the Renault Captur, Austral, Symbioz and Rafale, all manufactured in Spain and with E-Tech full hybrid engines that respond to the diverse needs of Eiffage Energía Sistemas.

In addition, it is also complemented by 60 units of the New Dacia Duster TCe 130 4×4, a model characterised by its versatility.

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E-Tech full hybrid technology: technological and commercial leadership

Renault’s early commitment to developing a complete range of electric vehicles in 2011 has provided an unbeatable knowledge base for designing its E-Tech full hybrid technology. The knowledge acquired in terms of efficiency and energy management has led the brand to combine 1 combustion engine, 2 electric motors, 1 traction battery and 1 intelligent multi-mode gearbox. Thanks to this, the E-Tech full hybrid range is a benchmark in terms of emissions – 20 g CO 2  lower than its competitors – and low consumption – 1 l/100 km lower -. In addition, this technology allows up to 80% of driving to be done in electric mode in urban environments, resulting in highly enjoyable and efficient driving.

Thanks to this, Renault has positioned itself as the second brand that sells the most hybrids in Spain.


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63% of young Spaniards under 30 consider that their car is essential in their everyday life

man in brown jacket driving car

The Cetelem Observatory has published the Europe Automotive Study 2025, which analyses the relationship between young people and mobility and the automobile in 10 European countries (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and Portugal), as well as in China, the United States, Japan and Turkey.

Contrary to what one might initially think, young people are not disconnected from the car, but quite the opposite. As soon as they are legally allowed to do so, they are eager to get behind the wheel. Thus, a driving licence becomes an early necessity. In Spain, 38% of drivers obtained their driving licence at the age of 18, two points higher than the European average. Another 27% obtained it between the ages of 19 and 20, the same percentage as the European average; and 23% between the ages of 21 and 25, compared to 20% in Europe. Only 12% say they obtained their driving licence at the age of over 25.

Buying the first car

Half of young Europeans under 20 years of age living in cities with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants already own a vehicle.

However, financial constraints for young people when it comes to buying a vehicle remain strong. 6 out of 10 Europeans aged between 18 and 29 consider the price of a car to be too expensive. For this reason, 59% of Europeans under 30 buy their first used car, compared to 41% who buy a new one. In the case of Spain, it stands out above the European average in buying a new car as a first vehicle, with 56% of the mentions.

The average price in Europe for buying a first car is €13,985. Spain is above the average with an average cost of €15,625.

As for motorisation, petrol cars are the preferred choice for young Europeans, followed by electric and diesel cars.

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The image of the car improves

According to the study, 7 out of 10 young Europeans say they enjoy driving. In addition, 1 in 2 people under 30 believe that their image of cars has improved over the last five years. Only 14% say it has deteriorated. It also highlights that this improvement in the image of cars is greater in cities than in rural areas, due to the growing importance of electric and hybrid cars in urban environments.

Young people are committed to mobility

For 6 out of 10 European drivers under 30, living their whole life without a car is unimaginable. French and Americans are the most reluctant to the idea of ​​living without a car, while Turks, Poles and Chinese are more receptive.

However, the car is not everything, young people are considering different ways of getting around. Thus, we see that the use of the bicycle as a means of transport has gained ground for 7 out of 10 young people. The Netherlands and Poland are the countries that are most receptive to travelling by bicycle, while Portugal, the United States and the United Kingdom are the most reluctant.

Among the alternative means of transport used by young people, car sharing comes in second place, with 50% of young people stating that they use it.

Among young people who have at least one vehicle in their home, 57% say they also travel on foot on a daily basis, followed by 52% who use public transport.

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In addition, 8 out of 10 young people also say that a car is essential for their daily life.

Safety, freedom and practicality are the three qualities of the car that young people most value.

Purchasing criteria

Rationality prevails when it comes to purchasing criteria. 45% of drivers under 30 consider price as the main factor when buying a car. However, this criterion is less important for them compared to older drivers, with a difference of almost 10 points. Both generations point to safety as the second most important purchasing criterion.

In addition, 9 out of 10 young drivers consider the information provided by brands important before making a decision.

The environmental image of the car

Almost half of young people consider cars to be the main cause of climate change. Cars are also cited as the main source of pollution in cities, especially among young people, with 64% of mentions.

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It is also worth noting that 52% of drivers under 30 consider that the environmental measures imposed on cars and their use are sufficient, compared to 24% who consider them insufficient. 13%, on the other hand, believe that they are excessive.

The electric car, synonymous with progress

84% of young people say that technological advances will improve the environmental impact of cars. This is a point of view shared by all generations. In addition, 1 in 2 young people see electric cars as a more environmentally friendly means of transport, compared to 1 in 4 of those over 50 years of age.

In this sense, young people are enthusiastic about the future of the electric car, with 47% believing that it will be more relevant in the coming years. This contrasts with the opinion of those over 50, who are more cautious about this, with only 30% believing that it will be more relevant. 60% of young people also believe that the electric car will replace combustion cars in the future.

Methodology

The economic and marketing analyses as well as forecasts were carried out in collaboration with the research and consulting company C-Ways.

Fieldwork for the quantitative consumer surveys was conducted by Harris Interactive from June 25 to July 9, 2024 in 14 countries: Belgium, China, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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A total of 16,000 online surveys (CAWI method, 3,000 in France and 1,000 in each of the other countries) were conducted with the general population aged between 18 and 65, with nationally representative samples in each country. The representativeness of the sample is guaranteed by the quota method (sex, age).


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April 4, 2025 - April 6, 2025    
10:00 - 21:00
This weekend, Alicante will host the biggest car show in the province. The 21st edition of Sobre 2 ruedas and the 53rd edition of Firauto, [...]
Exhibition of Static and Radio-Controlled Naval Modeling in Torrevieja
April 6, 2025 - April 26, 2025    
10:30 - 19:30
An exhibition of static and radio-controlled naval modelling will be in the 'Los Aljibes' exhibition hall at the Park of Nations in Torrevieja and will [...]
Lenny Kravitz in Concert in A Coruña
April 10, 2025    
21:30 - 23:00
Lenny Kravitz will be preforming live at the Coliseum, C. Francisco Pérez Carballo, 2, 15008 A Coruña on Thursday 10th April this year. Leonard Albert [...]
Torrevieja Book Fair
April 12, 2025 - April 21, 2025    
All Day
The 27th edition of the Torrevieja Book Fair, which will take place on Paseo Vista Alegre from Saturday, April 12th to Monday, April 21st. For [...]
Survivor: The Extreme Test in Alicante 12th & 13th April
April 12, 2025 - April 13, 2025    
All Day
The Survivor Race obstacle course is made for people of all skill levels, from novices to those who take their training seriously. The obstacle course, [...]
13th Classic Motor Festival in Guardamar on Saturday, April 12
April 12, 2025    
10:00 - 18:00
According to the mayor of Guardamar del Segura, José Luis Sáez, the 13th Solidarity Motor Festival will be held on Saturday, April 12th, and is [...]
Holy Week in Torrevieja 2025
April 13, 2025 - April 20, 2025    
All Day
From April 13 (Palm Sunday) to April 20, 2025, there will be Holy Week. Following the lunar schedule, Holy Week takes place during the same [...]
Denia Market
April 14, 2025    
09:00 - 13:00
Dénia's enormous local market sells apparel, ceramics, household products, nuts, and sweets to locals and tourists. A churros stall greets tourists at the entrance. Summer [...]
Santa Pola Medieval Market 2025
April 17, 2025 - April 21, 2025    
11:00 - 23:00
The Medieval Market returns to Santa Pola from April 17th to 21st, the center of Santa Pola will host the traditional Medieval Market During market [...]
Murcia Spring Flower Parade 24 April
April 24, 2025    
All Day
The colourful Flower Parade, popularly known as the "Battle of Flowers," throws fresh flowers at spectators. Murcian women in regional costumes atop floral-decorated floats. Over [...]
Gran Hotel Bali Benidorm Vertical Climb
April 26, 2025    
10:00 - 14:00
The most famous climb in Spain will take place at the highest hotel in Europe. The 19th annual Vertical Climb will take place on Saturday, [...]
Murcia Burying the Sardine Saturday 26th April 2025
April 26, 2025    
18:00
They do bury sardines. Music, colour, dancing, and processions precede the more solemn religious holidays as funfair season ends. This centuries-old ritual of burying a [...]
Villajoyosa Medieval Market Saturday 3rd May 2025
May 3, 2025    
All Day
Experience Villajoyosa's lovely coastal village and annual mediaeval market on a day trip. You have time to explore the town's attractions, seafront restaurants and cafes, [...]
Events on April 4, 2025
Events on April 10, 2025
Events on April 13, 2025
Events on April 14, 2025
Denia Market
14 Apr 25
Dénia
Events on April 17, 2025
Events on April 24, 2025
Events on April 26, 2025

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