Renault open to building Chinese cars in Europe – on its own terms

Renault Group CEO François Provost is "open" to building cars for Chinese companies in Europe, but said that unlike some rivals, his firm does not need such partnerships to bolster its business in the region. Speaking to journalists as the group announced its financial figures for the first half of 2026 – during which it grew revenues by 9.5% and posted margins of 5.2% – Provost said that Renault's global production network is operating at capacity, with no costly gaps that could be filled by a third party. Several European manufacturers in recent months have announced plans to build Chinese cars in the region: Stellantis will build Dongfeng's Voyah EVs in Rennes near Paris; Nissan is in talks about potentially producing Chery models in Sunderland; and Ford will now share its Valencia plant in Spain with Geely. But asked by Autocar whether Renault could follow those companies in opening up its factories to Chinese newcomers, Provost said: "Unlike some of our competitors, we have no issue of idle capacity in Europe - or, by the way, outside Europe." He said that while Renault had received "a lot of requests" to partner on production, the firm was "not in a hurry to do this type of co-operation". Renault has a partnership with Geely already, through which it builds cars for the Korean, Middle Eastern and South American markets, and has previously collaborated with Dongfeng in China - but Provost said there was currently "no ongoing discussion" for a similar arrangement in its home market. He said the firm was "open" to considering any such deals, but said that they must "first be favourable to Renault. I will never do a partnership if it is not favourable to Renault." "The rule in Europe is: we welcome some partnerships, but based on Renault's technology and ecosystem in Europe," he added, suggesting that the firm would prefer to licence its platforms and hardware to third parties than simply build their cars for them. He clarified that while Renault's plants were all operating at capacity already – with "strong efficiency based on a two-shift [pattern]" – the firm would be able to add shifts and raise output if needed. "We have potential upwards, and that's why we can welcome a partner," he said, adding: "We can go to 2.5 shifts, we can go to three shifts - there is some potential." Provost's comments come after Renault confirmed plans to build military drones at its Le Mans plant. Provost said that decision was not taken to fill excess capacity, but rather because "we got requests from the French Minister of Defence". He emphasised that the move was not emblematic of a wider plan to expand into the military sector: "We clearly stated that it is not a new strategic axis; there is zero about defence in Futuready", he said, referencing the company's growth strategy for the coming years. "It is more an opportunity per the request of the French Minister of Defence. We know exactly the added value we can provide, which is not about defence itself, but more about our capability to develop flexible technologies quickly, and at scale. And it is what we focus on. "What I want to share with you is that we do not rely on this to mitigate over-capacities or fixed costs. No, it's a pure opportunity."

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Renault open to building Chinese cars in Europe – on its own terms

Firm is "not in a hurry" to join Ford and Stellantis in building Chinese cars – but would consider a beneficial deal

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Renault open to building Chinese cars in Europe – on its own terms

Firm is "not in a hurry" to join Ford and Stellantis in building Chinese cars – but would consider a beneficial deal

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