PARIS, March 3 (Reuters) – Renault's Alpine brand will launch a more luxurious version of its sleek A110 sports car as it looks to branch out from its core French market and consolidate a jump in sales last year, its chief executive said.
The Renault group, which also makes budget Dacia cars, revived the Alpine brand and its two-seater models in 2017, updating a classic design which hit a peak in the 1960s and 70s.
But the French company is struggling with slumping demand in emerging markets and outlined cost cuts in February to try to turn around a decline in operating margins.
Pricier models like the Alpine could help improve the group's profitability and growth in the longer run as the brand goes even more upmarket and plans more launches, Alpine Chief Executive Patrick Marinoff told Reuters.
“If you look at profit potential in the future, Alpine is the tool and the weapon for Groupe Renault to harvest that potential,” he said in a telephone interview to replace an event p..
Tag: Daimler
Daimler CEO says ‘no issues’ with supplies of electric vehicle battery cells
FILE PHOTO: Ola Kaellenius, CEO of German luxury car manufacturer Daimler AG, speaks at the annual results news conference in Stuttgart, Germany, February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Andreas Gebert (Reuters) – Daimler AG Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said Tuesday the automaker has ‘no issues’ securing electric vehicle battery cells, and is ramping up battery production to meet… Continue reading Daimler CEO says ‘no issues’ with supplies of electric vehicle battery cells
Martinrea International Inc. Completes Purchase of Structural Components for Passenger Cars Division of Metalsa S.A. de C.V.
TORONTO, March 02, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Martinrea International Inc., a diversified and global automotive supplier engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of highly engineered, value-added Lightweight Structures and Propulsion Systems, today announced it has completed the acquisition of the Structural Components for Passenger Cars operations of Metalsa S.A. de C.V. The purchase price… Continue reading Martinrea International Inc. Completes Purchase of Structural Components for Passenger Cars Division of Metalsa S.A. de C.V.
Daimler says cost cut plans may see entire platforms eliminated
Mercedes logo is seen as Ola Kaellenius, CEO of German luxury car manufacturer Daimler AG, speaks at the annual results news conference in Stuttgart, Germany, February 11, 2020. REUTERS/Andreas Gebert FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Mercedes-Benz is embarking on a sweeping cost cutting plan to free up cash to build electric and self-driving cars, a step which… Continue reading Daimler says cost cut plans may see entire platforms eliminated
(LEAD) Renault Samsung to launch XM3 SUV next week
(ATTN: UPDATES with details in paras 5-7) SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) — Renault Samsung Motors Corp., the South Korean unit of Renault S.A., said Tuesday it will launch its all-new XM3 sport utility vehicle next week to revive lackluster sales. The XM3 SUV, which hits the domestic market on Monday, comes in two versions, one… Continue reading (LEAD) Renault Samsung to launch XM3 SUV next week
Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains
Mercedes will dramatically reduce its model line-up as well as platform and powertrain options, as the maker seeks to reduce complexity and optimise profit. Markus Schafer, Mercedes R&D boss said the drive came as a result of its focus on electric vehicles, and would range from cutting car lines to single components used in its… Continue reading Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains
Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”
The supply chain issues for Mercedes’ EQC electric SUV have presented a steep learning curve, according to Mercedes R&D board member Markus Schafer, but he says the maker is back on track to produce 50,000 EQCs this year. Issues with Mercedes’ battery supplier, LG Chem, had led to widespread reports that Mercedes would not fulfil its… Continue reading Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”
Mega-power electric hypercar “not a priority” for Porsche
Porsche has no desire to follow the array of electric hypercars with four-figure power outputs into the market, according to the brand’s design chief. Talking to Autocar in a phone interview that would have taken place at the cancelled Geneva motor show, Michael Mauer expressed that he has other ideas about what is important for enthusiasts. … Continue reading Mega-power electric hypercar “not a priority” for Porsche
@Daimler: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG present product highlights live on Mercedes me media
Stuttgart. A swift alternative programme for the Geneva Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG presented the highlights of their product premieres live on the media portal Mercedes me media. The digital press conference, which is available as an on-demand video, focuses on the world premiere of the comprehensively updated E-Class with numerous model variants – including… Continue reading @Daimler: Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG present product highlights live on Mercedes me media
BMW, Daimler aim to cut emissions 20% this year with new electric models
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – New electric models will help BMW and Daimler cut emissions from the cars they sell by an average of 20% this year, the German automakers predicted on Tuesday, as they strive to meet tough new European pollution rules. FILE PHOTO: BMW i3 drives during electric car E-Rallye Baltica 2019 near Iecava, Latvia… Continue reading BMW, Daimler aim to cut emissions 20% this year with new electric models