Renault is setting ambitious goals for its sports car brand, Alpine. By 2030, the company hopes to generate 8 billion euros ($8.6 billion) from three electric vehicles – a single existing electric vehicle, as well as two new offerings in the form of a mid-size crossover and larger similar model by 2027 or 2028. CEO Laurent Rossi highlighted the United States as the “main destination” for Alpine next year, with expectations that annual sales could reach “north of 150,000”. An exciting chapter in Renault’s success story is set to begin.
With big aspirations to produce no less than 150,000 of its sporty A1110 sports coupe models each year, the French automotive brand Alpine is taking on a lofty goal. The car comes equipped with plenty of performance for its 1.8 liter engine; up to 300 horsepower, 251 lb-ft torque and a 0-100km/h time in 4.5 seconds – all resulting in a maximum speed of 250km per hour.
The issue however, lies not with the car itself but the factory responsible for manufacturing it; the Dieppe plant only has 400 workers and capacity of 6,000 units annually which caused Alpine’s sales figure to reach a mere 3,546 cars in 2022. Despite this 33 per cent increase from the prior year, it still falls far short from its desired “north of 150,000” cars goal.
Luca de Meo has ambitious plans for his company that extend beyond the year 2022. According to Automotive News, he believes there is unrealised potential in premium segments and is eager to capitalize on this opportunity. As part of this drive to enter premium markets, the Formula One team owned by Renault was rebranded as Alpine and, concurrently, their dealer network will expand from 40 outlets to a total of 140 worldwide. This initiative clearly displays De Meo’s commitment to Renault’s success and ambition in the automotive world.
The new Renault 5 Alpine hot hatch and GT models are expected to be the first releases from Renault’s additional 100 sales points. The launch of these two models is anticipated to take place during the second half of 2024, with the GT model unveiling in 2025. Alpine is aiming for unparalleled growth with Rossi optimistic that their potential annual sales could reach as high as 35,000 by 2025.
These two larger Alpine models have been designed to accommodate both European and American markets, dangling an opportunity in front of motorists resembling that offered by Porsche Macan and Cayenne Coupe. With these two exciting new release on the horizon, Renaut Alpine is certainly cementing its position as one of Europe’s leading automakers.
Alpine is already looking to expand into the U.S. market and plan to launch their hot hatch and sporty car in 2025, as well as a successor to the A110 by 2027-2028. While Alfabet Zanzinger did not clarify what collaborations or partnerships the company is considering, he made it clear that there would be no rush in exploring what solutions are best for the U.S., giving time for potential deals and agreements with other automakers or suppliers to take shape. Along with further expansion news, the BWT Alpine F1 team will also be launching the A523 on Thursday, 16th February in London.