The historic Renault plant in Valladolid, built in the fifties, is the first in Spain to host one of the main technologies for the future.The historic

The French firm announced Friday it has assigned to the car production factory to be derived from small-and odd-prototype Twizy ZE Concept. The forecasts go to assemble 20,000 units annually as begin production in 2011. This allocation is part of the plan of the corporation to manufacture a new engine in 2012 in Valladolid and in 2013 a new conventional vehicle for what would require an investment of 500 million euros. The decision has been made possible following an agreement reached last month between management and unions to cut costs and achieve greater flexibility in the factory.

The director of institutional relations at Renault in Spain, Ernesto Salas said that Valladolid has been commissioned to manufacture a vehicle "breakthrough" for which he predicted a "warm welcome" given the "many applications" that can carry the car.

The intent of management is that this model will complement the assembly lines and allow the plant to reach 100,000 units per year of production. The installation does not pass through its best moments, while aid from European governments have allowed a rebound in recent months. Until September, Valladolid produced 68,300 units or 10.7% less than a year earlier models Modus, Grand Modus and Clio. In fact, pucelana factory consists of several modules: a facility dedicated to the assembly, the manufacture of another body and another to the engine. The multinational has another plant in the Villamurriel Cerrato (Palencia), and an engine factory in Seville.

Heart of the range

Renault reserve for plant and Flins (45 miles from Paris) derived from the prototype car Zoe concentrate 66% of sales and will be "the heart" of its range of electric vehicles, the company said. This plant is also responsible for manufacturing the batteries which will power electric cars in the group and even models of competing firms.

The Twizy Z.E. appeared in the past Frankfurt International Motor Show, along with two new models complete the range. The present business model changes from the prototype, but will remain features like airbags, safety features, autonomy of 100 miles and top speed of 75 miles per hour. Renault hopes that in 2020 10% of world car "is electric.