AsianFin — Renault has reportedly hired around 200 staff in Shanghai, primarily hardware engineers, to work on the development of the Twingo electric vehicle (EV), priced under €20,000, according to sources familiar with the matter. The company also plans to recruit software engineers.

Francois Provost, Renault's Chief Procurement, Partnerships, and Public Affairs Officer, stated, "We are learning from there [China] and integrating that knowledge into our teams in France." However, he declined to disclose specific recruitment plans for Renault's R&D center in China.

Provost highlighted that European suppliers often focus on high-margin, value-added components, leading to gaps in basic yet essential parts. “In China, we can find simpler, high-quality components," he said, adding, "We’re catching up fast. By 2026, we aim to match the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers setting up in Europe, whether in software or batteries.”

In May, a Renault spokesperson revealed plans to collaborate with China’s EV supply chain ecosystem to develop the sub-€20,000 Twingo EV within two years. The vehicle’s design and advanced engineering will be finalized in France, with production slated for Europe.