The automotive industry is going through immense changes at the moment. It’s pretty clear that the trend towards greater digitalisation and electrification is pretty much unstoppable and that car companies have to rethink what their products are going to look like in the next 5 years. Renault is no different. Hence, they’ve released a new “Renaulution” plan.
In essence, they’re planning 3 phases to this plan:
- “Resurrection”, running up to 2023, will focus on margin and cash generation recovery,
- “Renovation”, spanning up to 2025, will see renewed and enriched line-ups, feeding brand’s profitability,
- “Revolution” from 2025 and onwards, will pivot the business model to tech, energy and mobility; making Groupe Renault a frontrunner in the value chain of new mobility.
That might sound like gibberish to you, but what it really means is that Renault are going from a car company in 2021 to becoming a tech, service and clean energy brand by 2025. But that doesn’t mean they’re cutting off petrol and diesel altogether – they’ll still hang around in hybridised form. By 2025, the company hopes to have launched 14 core vehicles, 7 of which will be fully-electric.
One of those 7 electric vehicles might just be based on the prototype that they unveiled. It’s a reimagination of the classic hatchback that was made between 1972 and 1996. The Renault 5 was eventually replaced by the Clio, but looking at how successful the all-electric, retro-futuristic Honda E has been, Renault are probably keen on dipping their toes in this market as well.
It’s not quite as minimalistic, but there are definitely some nice design cues here.
Have a look at the press release for more info on the Renault 5 Prototype, or head here to read about Renault’s full strategy. You can also watch their presentation below.
PRESS RELEASE
Renault 5 Prototype: The rebirth of a cult car, more modern than ever
The soul of a brand is in its roots. Without falling into the past, she has to reconnect with it and draw its inspiration to find the spirit of the glorious times. This is the role of the Renault 5 Prototype, to show that Renault will democratize the electric car in Europe with a modern approach to the popular and essential car. The Renault 5 prototype is a cute, pin-sized, city car taking one of Renault’s timeless success to the future with a modern, 100% electric twist. It kept the fun, anti-crisis and mischievous side, with the pop of yellow highlights. Gilles Vidal’s design team were inspired by a world-renowned cult model from Renault’s past, the R5. The Renault 5 prototype takes strong features from the original design. The modern approach is also evident in the chosen finishes and materials, which are inspired by the worlds of electronics, furniture and sports.
The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, cult model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive.
Gilles Vidal, Renault Design Director
The R5 is immediately recognizable, but thanks to a modern treatment of lines and flush surfaces with futuristic detailing (lights, front face…), the result is resolutely in the spirit of the current times. The styling elements taken from the original design in a modern way hide very modern functions: the bonnet air intake hides the charging hatch, the rear lights include aero flaps, and the fog lamps in the bumper are daytime running lights. There is even a nod to the original ‘5’ on the side grid, the wheels and the rear logo. The front end and the textile roof drawn from the world of furniture are full of ‘French charm’, a hint of mischief, character that pulls on the heartstrings. The front and rear logos light up, bringing the car ‘to life’. The French flag in the rear-view mirrors to underline the “invented in France” side of the vehicle, the headrest lights and the name displayed on the small transparent screen on the dashboard, invite you to hop in for a ride.
