Renault to sell Viry-Châtillon site

Renault has decided to sell its Viry-Châtillon site to the Belgian Dumarey group after failed attempts to reconvert the facility. The decision was made public during an extraordinary meeting with employee representatives on October 22, 2026, and involves the transfer of all employees and assets needed for the site's operation.

Uncertain future for employees

The site, which had nearly 350 employees when Renault announced the end of its F1 engine manufacturing in 2025, will now have only about 150 employees. While Renault promised to retain the workforce, uncertainty remains about their future, especially after the company shifted its strategy to cut costs by buying engines from Mercedes.

Renault's reconversion plan

In an effort to provide new opportunities for the Viry-Châtillon team, Renault launched Hypertech Alpine, a center focused on developing a future supercar and working on batteries for sports cars. Engineers are expected to explore advanced battery technologies, including solid-state batteries and high-performance electric motors, though progress has been slow.

Unfulfilled promises and challenges

Employee representatives have reported that many workers have left for other teams, threatening to disperse the expertise the reconversion was meant to preserve. In March 2026, Le Journal de l'Automobile noted that the planned activities were struggling to take shape, and the CGT union reported that investments in hydrogen and endurance projects had been halted.

Dumarey's plans for the site

Dumarey, the buyer of the Viry-Châtillon site, specializes in engines, energy storage systems, and engineering services. The Belgian group aims to expand its motorsport activities and use the site's expertise in hybrid and electric propulsion, simulation, and testing. Dumarey's president, Guido Dumarey, stated the goal of preserving and developing the site's engineering expertise while creating new growth opportunities.

Dumarey's recent challenges in France

Despite its ambitions, Dumarey's recent history in France raises concerns. In January 2026, Dumarey Powerglide closed its Strasbourg plant, eliminating 320 jobs. The group also announced the closure of its Andrézieux-Bouthéon plant in the Loire, which had employed around 260 people. These closures raise questions about the long-term viability of the Viry-Châtillon site.