Renault to Start Production of Electric Car in Turkey in A Few Months

French carmaker Renault plans to start mass production of its electric cars in a couple of months at Turkey plant, a senior company official said on Friday.

ANKARA- Ibrahim Aybar, CEO of Renualt-Mais, a joint venture of Renault and Turkey-based Oyak, said that company’s plant in Bursa would build electric version of Fluence –a classic compact 4-door sedan– mostly for global markets.

Aybar did not elaborate on the date for start of mass production, nor the price tag in Turkey, however, he said it would require an extra monthly payment for battery lease somewhere around €79 as set in Europe.

Aybar made his remark at an event where Turkish Industry & Trade Minister Nihat Ergun took a test-drive with the first electric Fluence built in Turkey and inaugurated a charge station at the ministry yard in Ankara.

Ergun said his ministry had ordered 5 Renault Fluence electric cars. Delivery of cars is expected in the near future.
Ergun also said that the car was very comfortable and easy-to-drive, adding that he would buy an electric for personal use.

According to information on Renault website, Fluence ZE will sell in certain countries at prices similar to those of comparably powerful diesel versions of Renault Fluence with the same equipment level. Prices will be between €21,300 and €26,000, depending on the local VAT rate and available tax incentive packages, excluding battery.

In France, for example, prices will start from €21,300 with the €5,000 tax incentive deducted. Customers will also subscribe to a monthly lease starting from €79 (including VAT) to cover the battery.

25 June 2011
SOURCE: CUMHURIYET