French carmaker Renault is working on a wide range of hybrid technologies, including the development of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for its passenger vehicles, which are expected to be introduced by 2020.
Initiale Paris production version will be the company's first passenger vehicle to get a hybrid drivetrain.
Renault powertrain strategy Marc Bodin was quoted by Les Echos as saying that the company is studying the gradual introduction of hybrids in their range by 2020.
The company is also working on hybrid technologies for its low-cost Dacia division.
Renault spokesman told Automotive News Europe that they want to make their technologies accessible, so they would, of course, offer a hybrid Dacia model as an affordable hybrid alternative if Renault were to ever decide to launch hybrid cars.
"We will continue to emphasize the development of low-emission combustion engines and EV cars," the spokesman added.
Alongside, the French carmaker has also partnered with Nissan for the development of hybrid technologies. Nissan plans to introduce its first hybrid models in Europe by 2014.
Recently, The European Commission (EC) has granted French carmaker Renault an aid of EUR20.5m for the HYDIVU research and development program, which is aimed at developing a diesel hybrid technology for vans.
As part of the program, Renault will develop a hybrid engine specifically designed and optimised overall for commercial vehicles.
Renault will partner with three other companies including Continental, Valeo and LMS International along with a research body (IFPEN) to carry out this HYDIVU project.
This project will develop new hybrid engines for the Trafic and Master ranges by reducing diesel consumption and CO2 emissions of these two models.
