Renault’s Europe strategy: 36 new models by 2030 amid EV competition

Renault CEO emphasizes Europe as key market, launching 36 models by 2030 to compete with Chinese EVs. Learn about challenges and regulatory impacts.
Renault is betting on Europe as its key market despite increasing competition and regulatory pressure. The company’s new CEO, François Provost, emphasized that this region is the core focus of the brand’s development strategy. He noted that Germany remains the benchmark market with the fiercest competition, where Renault aims to strengthen its position.Under the futuREady plan, the company will launch 36 new models by 2030, with 22 of them targeted at Europe. However, Provost identified the main challenge not as demand, but as the pace of technological advancement. Renault intends to catch up with and surpass Chinese competitors in electric vehicles, software, and artificial intelligence.He cited the new electric Twingo, developed in just 21 months, as an example of the speed the company wants to standardize. Meanwhile, Renault is deliberately avoiding so-called ‘tactical sales’—registering cars under its own name or for leasing—to pursue more sustainable profits. This approach may temporarily reduce performance metrics but strengthens the business in the long run.Separately, the CEO sharply criticized European regulatory policy, calling it a ‘tsunami.’ In his view, excessive requirements drive up car prices and make them less affordable for buyers, which slows fleet renewal and hampers the green transition.Provost urges consideration of not only electric vehicles but also hybrid solutions, including plug-in and range extender models, and suggests temporarily ‘freezing’ regulation to allow the industry to adapt. The balance between price, technology, and affordability is becoming a critical factor for the entire automotive market.Renault clearly highlights a problem that many discuss less openly: Europe risks overwhelming the auto industry with demands faster than it can adapt. The winner will be whoever finds the right balance between innovation and accessibility.