Renault begins the mass launch of electric vehicles in 2011. Pending the arrival of these zero-emission models, greenhouse gas emissions can be significantly reduced by adopting good driving practices. Simple techniques, such as keeping a constant speed, braking with the engine rather than the pedal, and regularly checking tire pressure, can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20%!

These driving habits are easily acquired once taught. This is why Renault has played an active part for several years in raising public awareness and promoting training on eco-driving.

Renault organized its first eco-driving day in October 2008 in Paris. The program included:

• information sessions on eco-driving advantages and issues,
• free eco-driving lessons from approved trainers in Renault eco2 cars,
• eco-driving tests on a simulator developed by Renault.

The highlight of the day was an eco-driving challenge in the streets of Paris, with some 20 family teams competing. Event partner Ellen MacArthur was on hand to distribute prizes to the winners. 

Following the success of the first “Renault eco2 Days”, a second event was organized in Hyères in the south of France in 2009.

The “Renault eco2 Days” have also gone international, starting with the Baltic countries. In 2009, eco-driving days were held in Vilnius in Lithuania and Tallinn in Estonia. As at the Paris event, participants got to find out all about eco-driving, take free lessons and assess their driving styles on a simulator. More than 2,200 people took part in the events, organized by Renault Polska.