BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, France: Renault Group and its six unions have agreed to establish ‘Renault ElectriCity’ to produce 400,000 electric vehicles a year by 2025 from its Douai, Maubeuge and Ruitz manufacturing sites in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France.

To support the project, Renault plans to create 700 permanent jobs between 2022 and the end of 2024 with 350 new hires at Maubeuge and the balance spread over the Douai and Ruitz sites.

The company aims to make ElectricCity the go to place in Europe for electric-powered manufacturing innovation – forming R&D partnerships with start-ups and universities and encouraging suppliers to locate near its factories.

"I am very proud to have contributed to the creation of Renault ElectriCity, a symbol of Renault's know-how and technological innovation, and to participate to the enhancement of the economic and social attractiveness of Hauts-de-France in Europe,” declared Luciano Biondo, director of the new project. “This agreement, signed with all the trade unions, is proof that the commitment of employees, constructive social dialogue and a strong local presence are key to setting up a robust and attractive industrial model," he added.