For Renault, the challenge lies not in finding customers but in scaling up production to meet demand. The standout feature of the 2024 Geneva Motor Show is undoubtedly the Renault 5.
This is partly due to the limited participation of manufacturers at the show and partly because of the overwhelming positive reception the new electric city car has received, particularly from the Caradisiac editorial team.
Fabrice Cambolive, the brand’s director, emphasizes that the main issue is not customer demand but rather the smooth ramp-up of production capacity. In an interview with Autonews Europe, he noted that around 50,000 people have already expressed keen interest in the electric city car, notably through the R5 R pass introduced last year.
This is a significant number considering that the best-selling electric model in France in 2023, the Tesla Model Y, attracted only about 37,000 drivers. Orders for the Renault 5 will open in May, with deliveries scheduled to start in September or October.
Cambolive highlights the advantage of producing the car in France, stating that it allows for closer proximity to customers, resulting in cost-effective logistics and faster delivery times. However, the $27,340 version, featuring a smaller engine and battery, won’t be available until next year and won’t support fast charging.
Cambolive aims to attract users of the Renault Zoe to the Renault 5, as well as new customers. He anticipates lower fleet sales compared to traditional models, estimating a 40% share for businesses compared to 50% for a Clio, for example.
With the success of the Renault 5, ensuring production capacity becomes paramount. The brand is preparing to introduce another nostalgic model, the R4.
