German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is expected to use French carmaker Renault’s new diesel engine to power its future generations of the C-Class and Vito models.
The move follows signing of an agreement between Renault-Nissan and Mercedes-Benz' parent firm Daimler for the supply of 1.6L four-cylinder common rail turbodiesel engine for German auto maker's models that are scheduled to be launched between 2014 and 2015.
The latest engine supply deal is expected to increase the output of Renault's engine manufacturing plant in Cleon to 100,000 1.6L diesel units by late 2015.
Generating an output of 130hp and 320Nm of torque, the engine currently powers Renault's top-end variant of the Megane hatchback, the Scenic MPV, the Grand Scenic MPV and the Nissan Qashqai crossover.
Renault-Nissan currently supplies its 110hp 1.5L diesel engine to power Mercedes-Benz models including the A-Class 180 CDI model and the Citan small van.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler are jointly working on developing the new Twingo and Smart models that deploy a common platform and engines.
