The electric transition is not a long calm river for Renault. After having had to deal with the Covid-19 and the consequences of the health crisis and the war in Ukraine, the Diamond has to deal with the shortage of components.
Admittedly, Renault is not the only car manufacturer to suffer the pangs of the globalized economy, but this new crisis affects its most important model for a decade, the 100% electric Megane e-Tech.
The manufacturer has announced the pause of production of its compact from April 14 to 25. During this period, the production lines of the Douai factory, in the North, will be shut down and the 2,300 employees in charge of assembly, placed on partial unemployment.
What delay on deliveries?
The cessation of production raises the question of deliveries. The first key handovers for the electric Megane were scheduled for May. Renault believes that these will take place on time, the first models having already been assembled. On the other hand, for the second wave of customers, waiting times should probably be longer. On this point, the French manufacturer does not provide more details.
The story of the Megane does not begin under the best auspices. This all the more so as to the concerns mentioned above, we must add the pausing of the Cléon factory, where Renault’s electric motors are manufactured. This other shutdown is a direct consequence of the war in Ukraine since some of the parts, and in particular the engine wiring, come from Eastern Europe.
Also see video:
Also see video:
The next few weeks will therefore be crucial for Renault and for the Megane. The compact is the symbol of Renault’s new electric ambitions, since apart from an electrified Twingo, it is the first 100% electric model since the Zoe.