Renault presents new industrial plan for Spanish plants

Renault has decided to assign the Palencia plant with two new vehicle platforms, one a derivative of the other, and shared with Nissan. The new platforms cover four vehicle bodies in all, annual production of which will total up to 280,000 units.

Over the 2014-2015 period, production at the engine and gearbox plants will rise to approach 1,300,000 to 1,400,000 units per year, assuming present-day market conditions. The Valladolid body assembly plant, assigned with production of Twizy in the previous plan, along with launch-phase production of a small B-segment vehicle, will benefit from the competitive performance reached through the recent workforce negotiations, which extend and enhance the facility’s options with regard to future assignments.

The announcement event, at the Palencia plant today, was attended by the Spanish prime minister, the ministry of industry, and the president of the Castilla y León regional government. All expressed their full support for the new plan, which will safeguard the future of Renault’s Spanish plants and create around 1,300 new jobs.

The chairman of Renault Spain began his address by thanking the workforce for their efforts in reaching the agreement that made the new assignments possible: “ I want to thank all the Renault personnel and the union representatives, for today is an important day for the future of Renault in Spain. The sense of responsibility shown across the entire Renault workforce in our country brings welcome proof of the lasting key positions held by Renault’s industrial sites in Spain, alongside those in France .”

After visiting the Palencia plant and hearing the content of the new assignments, Prime Minister Rajoy also paid tribute to the workforce’s responsible outlook, and to Renault’s commitment to Spain: “ Renault offers tangible proof that commitment on Spain is a safe commitment; our country provides a privileged environment that promises return on investment ”.

For the president of the Castilla y León regional government, Mr Herrera, both the workforce agreement and the Industrial Plan brought further confirmation of Renault’s stand on upholding these production facilities. Mr Herrera undertook to provide support and assistance on implementation of the new plan. Noting that “the automotive sector was the first to warn us of the looming crisis”, he also confirmed that the automotive industry would be playing a crucial role in building a brighter, future-looking economy.