France

On May 9, HORSE announced its first major partnership with HABAŞ, Turkey. Both have signed a multi-year deal for HORSE to supply its M920 RWD 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines to HABAŞ for its debut light commercial vehicles at its new Manisa facility, Turkey.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivers an output of 170 PS and 380 Nm of torque. Innovative features include common rail injection at 2,500 bar for precise fuel delivery and a variable vane turbine turbocharger for optimal response at all engine speeds. The advanced powertrain meets strict Euro 6d+e emissions regulations and is also designed to use the latest B10 diesel with 10% biofuel content, reducing carbon footprint.

HABAŞ Group is a Turkey-based production and export company, specializing in industrial and medical gases, steel, power generation, heavy machinery, and others. It has entered the automotive sector by offering electric and diesel buses, midibuses, and trucks, manufactured to international standards.

Based on HORSE press release

On May 7, Renault announced that the all-new Master E-Tech electric van is now available for order in France. The vehicle is manufactured entirely at the Batilly factory, France. It comes in two standard finishes i.e., advance and extra.

The Master’s entry-level (diesel version) price starts from EUR 40,000. The electric version offers two battery options: 40 kWh for urban use and 87 kWh for longer journeys, priced from EUR 50,000 and EUR 58,000 respectively.

The Master also offers Blue dCi diesel engine variants i.e., 105 hp, 130 hp, 150 hp, and 170 hp, with a 9-speed automatic transmission available later this year. First deliveries are scheduled for September 2024, while thermal versions with automatic transmission will arrive in Q4 2024.

The new Renault Master claims a comprehensive range to suit various professional needs, with over 40 configurations and an improved payload of up to 2.4 tonnes. It offers a loading volume of 11 to 22 cubic meters, with top-notch access width and loading length.

Based on Renault press release

On May 6, the French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty announced a strategic sector contract signing in Bercy, France, involving government officials and automotive sector representatives. The contract, spanning 2024-2027, targets challenges related to the ecological transition, including decarbonization and the end of thermal vehicle sales in Europe by 2035.

The government has set a target of 2 million electrified vehicles produced annually in France by 2030. The previous contract set objectives for EV adoption which were successfully achieved despite challenges. State priorities for the automotive sector include continued electric vehicle adoption by 2035, increased manufacturing of EVs in France, and improved contractual relations between subcontractors and principals.

The new contract focuses on six major axes, including enhancing competitiveness and innovation, strengthening the sector's attractiveness and skills development, ensuring sovereignty, promoting the circular economy, managing vehicle fleets sustainably, and advancing new mobility solutions.

The period ahead will accelerate electrification efforts, driving innovation, competitiveness, and job creation in France to promote environmentally friendly mobility.

Based on French Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty press release