| Renault is preparing to devolve
responsibility for Logan development to its Romanian technical centre.
The model, a big part of the OEM’s expansion plans, is developed
mainly in France at present.
“High-growth automotive markets are outside western Europe,”
said Renault. “Regional engineering teams will have a better understanding
of local vehicle usage and will be better able to involve local suppliers
directly.”
Renault will double the size of its Romanian engineering facility in the
next two years. It is investing €100 million and hiring 1,600 new
people at the centre. Most will be engineers.
Renault Technologies Romania (RTR) will become the carmaker’s second-largest
engineering facility and will employ 3,000 people by the end of 2009.
“RTR will become the engineering hub for all vehicles developed
on the Logan platform,” said Renault.
The Renault Technocentre in Guyancourt, France, will remain the OEM’s
main vehicle research and development centre. It employees some 8,000
people, but it is not clear if staffing levels will be affected.
RTR engineers will develop vehicles and powertrains for eastern Europe,
Turkey, Russia and north Africa, overseen by Renault’s central engineering
department.
Development will be on three sites. Design offices in Bucharest will employ
1,900 people. The Pitesti site will provide engineering services for body
assembly and engine manufacturing. A test centre, due to open in 2009,
will employ 500 people.
Romania is important to Renault. It is low-cost and is well-located for
emerging markets in eastern Europe, Russia, north Africa and Turkey.
The Logan has stimulated the development of a network of local suppliers.
Romania also offers a well qualified workforce and sound partnerships
with national institutes.
|
|
