PARIS: Renault's low-cost brand Dacia is looking to make fresh inroads in the electric vehicle market with a new larger version of its popular Spring model - but this time it will be made in Europe, instead of imported from China.
Dacia has sold 210,000 Spring EVs since 2021 but has missed out on a recent EV boom in France, its biggest market, because the country's subsidy programme for low-income car buyers excludes Chinese-made EVs such as the current Spring.
"What we have seen since April, is there is a mix of EVs across all segments that is growing significantly," Dacia vice president for sales and operations Frank Marotte told Reuters. "There is clearly much greater demand ... which is holding us back as we only have one electric model."
Through August, the Spring ranked only 55th among France's best-selling vehicles, trailing models such as Tesla's Model Y and the Renault 5 and Twingo.
After focusing on combustion-engine vehicles to maintain its position as one of Europe's most affordable brands, Dacia is launching more hybrid versions and plans to offer four EVs by 2030, starting with the new Spring, which will be priced from €17,900 ($20,821).
In keeping with Dacia's no-frills approach, the new Spring will be available in only four colours and two trims. Deliveries will begin in early 2027.