Renault knows that radically curbing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is vital in today's world.
The brand already figures among Europe's three best-performing carmakers when it comes to average CO2 emissions, and its sights are now set on moving to the top of the order. To achieve this objective, Renault is currently working on the development of low-emission and zero- CO2 emissions vehicles in a determined bid to introduce as many effective technologies as possible at an affordable price. Its work on powertrains focuses on two main areas:

• An unprecedented commitment to the development of electric motors: all-electric vehicles do not produce any CO2 emissions resulting from their use on the road. Renault is aiming to become the industry leader in the realm of mass-market electric vehicles. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is consequently developing a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains, with power outputs ranging from 50 to 100kW (70 to 140hp).

• New technologies for conventional engines. Renault is working on a new generation of turbocharged internal combustion engines, as well as on new automatic transmissions.

! 'Modular'
TCe engines, with power outputs ranging from 90 to 115hp With the imminent switch to Euro 5 and Euro 6 legislation, petrol engines are poised to become an increasingly attractive proposition, a trend anticipated by Renault's new TCe powerplant family. Scheduled for launch in 2012, it is expected to account for 85 per cent of Renault's petrol engine sales in 2015. These 'modular' engines will have a cubic capacity of between 0.9 and 1.2 litres and will be available in three- and four-cylinder form with power outputs ranging from 65 to 85kW (90 to 115hp). A number of vehicles equipped with these engines will emit less than 100g of CO2/km.

! The future 1.6 dCi 130 engine
The forthcoming 1.6-litre engine will boast a power output of 96kW (130hp) from launch. It is being co-developed within the framework of the Renault-Nissan Alliance and is scheduled for release in 2011. Its CO2 emissions will be 25g/km lower than those of a current 1.9-litre diesel.

! Twin-clutch transmission
Renault will be in a position to release a twin-clutch transmission on the market in the course of the next year. Twin-clutch transmissions combine exemplary gearshift quality with lower CO2 emissions for the same fuel consumption as that of a manual gearbox.

RENAULT'S POWERTRAIN STRATEGY
CO2 emissions: targeting a number one ranking in Europe
In Renault's view, respecting the environment stands out as the key challenge to which the automobile industry needs to rise if it intends to survive in the long term. It is today vital to radically curb the fuel consumption of vehicles, while at the same time endeavouring to obtain zero CO2 emissions within the shortest timeframe possible. Renault believes it is essential to ensure that as many customers as possible have access to the most efficient technologies at an affordable price.

In 2008, Renault figured among Europe's three best-performing carmakers with regard to average CO2 emissions. Compared with 1995, Renault's average CO2 emissions have come down by 25 per cent, while in the same 14-year period its vehicles have also become safer and quieter.

Renault's intention today is to become Europe's number one carmaker in the realm of CO2 emissions. To achieve this, the group is focusing on two main areas:

! An unprecedented commitment to the development of electric motors as a breakaway technology. All-electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions on the road.

! New technologies for conventional engines and transmissions targeting a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

AN UNPRECEDENTED COMMITMENT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC MOTORS
A technological clean break
Renault is working actively on mobility solutions aimed at marking a clean break in terms of CO2 emissions compared with solutions that propose CO2 reductions of 10, 20 or 30g/km,. This major project involves the development of all-electric vehicles, a form of transport which produces no CO2, no polluting emissions and no noise.

Renault's target is to become the leading producer of mass-market electric vehicles.
All-electric vehicles: an inevitable answer Renault's commitment to the development of electric vehicles is due to a number of factors:
- Awareness of the role CO2 emissions play in global warming,
- Toughening legislation aimed at curbing CO2 emissions,
- Oil price increases,
- A growing need for urban mobility and the potentially significant market in Europe, due notably to motorists who primarily use their vehicle on a daily basis to get to and back from work; in other words urban commuters for whom electric vehicles are a workable solution,

- A grasp of lithium-ion battery technology within the Renault-Nissan Alliance thanks to Automotive Electric Supply Corp (AESC), a joint venture involving Nissan and NEC. Significant progress has been made concerning lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, safety, durability and cost reductions. This work has led to the possibility of developing attractive, pleasantto- drive electric vehicles with sufficient range,
- The development of new consumer patterns (monthly subscriptions, pay as you go schemes, etc.) which already operate in numerous sectors and which can be carried over to the automobile.

The development of a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains
The Renault-Nissan Alliance is developing a comprehensive range of all-electric powertrains which will cover a power range of between 50 and 100kW (70 and 140hp). These powertrains are intended for a wide range of vehicle categories, from city cars and family saloons, to small and large vans. The first vehicles to feature all-electric powertrains will be a three-box saloon and a Kangoo-type van as early as 2011.

That said, electric vehicles are not destined to replace all vehicles on the road. Thanks to their versatility and to advances due to be introduced over the coming years, internal combustion engines will continue to stand out as a valid solution for many customers.