Renault has officially announced a major investment of 600 million euros in Spain to produce five new vehicle models, two of which will be electric. This marks a significant shift in the company's strategy, as it plans to move some of its current production from France to Spain by 2030. This will be the first time in 75 years that Renault has introduced new models on the other side of the Pyrenees. The decision highlights the need for the company to adapt to the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe and the limitations of its current production facilities in France. Currently, some of Renault's models produced in France, such as the Mégane, Scénic, and R5, are assembled at the Douai and Maubeuge plants. However, with the increasing success of these models and the rapid shift toward electric vehicles, Renault is finding it difficult to produce all of its electric models in France. As a result, the company has decided to expand its production capabilities in Spain, specifically in the factories of Valladolid and Palencia. These facilities currently produce the Captur, Symbioz, and a range of family SUVs, including the Austral, Espace, and Rafale. The new investment in Spain will allow Renault to produce models that will replace existing ones, including the electric Scénic, which will be relocated from France to Spain. This move is expected to free up space at the Douai plant, which is currently operating at full capacity due to the success of the R5. The site will soon welcome a new electric Ford model based on Renault’s city car platform. Christian Stein, general director of Renault Groupe Espagne, emphasized the company's commitment to its Spanish plants, stating that this investment demonstrates Renault's confidence in the region despite the challenges facing the automotive sector. The decision to shift production to Spain was not made easily. Negotiations with employees were complex, and Renault had even threatened not to assign certain models to Spain if the discussions did not progress. Eventually, an agreement was reached, allowing the company to move forward with its plans to expand its production capabilities in Spain and meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe.