At Renault, we believe that innovation favors progress only if the greatest number stand to benefit from it. This is the reason why the Group’s research into sustainable mobility is driven essentially by the notion of accessibility. And this is the thinking behind Renault’s eco² vehicles, launched in 2007, which are both ecological and economical.

Renault’s eco² vehicles meet strict environmental criteria on manufacturing (ISO 14001 certified plants), use (less than 140 g/km of CO2 emissions) and recycling (vehicles 85% recyclable at end-of-life).

These vehicles are also more economical. They benefit from Renault’s latest innovations that significantly cut fuel consumption: direct petrol injection, downsizing (smaller cubic capacity with no loss of performance) and alternative energies (biofuels, LPG, etc.)

Renault is convinced that the optimization of existing solutions will not be enough to take up the worldwide gauntlet of sustainable mobility. So what is the alternative? The electric vehicle as a breakaway innovation on a large scale. A technological breakaway, with the advent of the zero-emission vehicle. And a commercial breakaway, with a mass marketing strategy that will make electric vehicles accessible to the greatest number.

While other manufacturers may be developing electric models too, Renault is pioneering the launch of the electric vehicle on a large scale. The Group’s approach is based on an innovative economic model, vehicle and battery production facilities worldwide and the development of “Quickdrop” recharging stations. Kangoo Express Z.E (LCV) and Fluence Z.E. (sedan) are scheduled to be launched in 2011.

In September 2009 the Renault Foundation and ParisTech set up the Institute of Sustainable Mobility in order to make progress in sustainable mobility all over the world. This joint effort between the academic world and Renault’s engineers has the following missions:

• to encourage research into innovative mobility systems, and electric vehicles in particular,
• to train top-quality managers and scientists in order to meet the needs of the transport industry and to take up the challenges of sustainable mobility.

Eight schools and 10 laboratories are working together on four themes.

• Electric Mobility Systems, to foresee the logistical requirements of a widely used electric vehicle.
• A Business Model that will guarantee the development of electric vehicles.
• A Worldwide Vision to prepare for the conditions of transition from the current mobility model to the large-scale use of electric vehicles.
• Battery Technology, to contribute to improving the performance and profitability of electric batteries.

The training of managers in sustainable mobility is another of Renault’s priorities. In 2010 the Renault Foundation and ParisTech launched the new Electric Vehicle Master’s diploma, a high-level course that welcomes students from all over the world.

Other companies and universities may join the Institute of Sustainable Mobility.