Just Auto
Author:Graeme Roberts
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| The alliance claims the factory is the world’s first zero carbon and zero effluent automotive plant |
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The Renault–Nissanalliance has formally opened its new plant in Tangier, Morocco, with King Mohammed VI doing the honours.
The plant cost EUR1bn and has annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles.
The alliance claims the factory is the world’s first zero carbon and zero effluent automotive plant. It is also the southern Mediterranean basin’s biggest automotive plant with an estimated total workforce of over 6,000 by 2015.
Renault’s has operated in Morrocco for over 80 years and says the plant’s Tangier Med Port area has an extensive network of competitive suppliers and a pool of highly qualified staff trained to modern automotive production techniques.
CEO Carlos Ghosn said at the inauguration ceremony: “Thanks to the mobilisation of Renault and its partners, as well as to the unfailing support of the Moroccan government, our plant in Tangier sets a new global standard for the automobile industry.”
Production will begin with two new ‘entry’ models: theDacia Lodgy passenger car and a small van which will also be made in passenger form. As well as boosting production volume, the new factory will allow the entry range to expand, along with the models manufactured at the existing Pitesti (Romania) and SOMACA (Casablanca, Morocco) plants which are currently running to maximum capacity.
“It will ensure that the Renault Group is in a position to meet its customers’ growing demand for entry level vehicles which are acclaimed for their unprecedented value for money,” a statement said.
Along with the Chennai plant, in India, the new factory in Tangier will make a key contribution to the global growth of both groups, the alliance said. Although controlled by Renault, it will apply the ‘alliance production way’ which is a fusion of the best manufacturing practices employed by Renault and Nissan.
To provide training for factory staff and suppliers alike, Renault and Morocco jointly founded the IFMIA (Institut de Formation aux Métiers de l’Automobile) which is funded entirely by the Moroccan state. Meanwhile, Renault’s global training centre in Flins, France, has provided training for 168 people involved with the project (training, management and technical staff).
The factory is a claimed unique partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco, Renault and Veolia Environnement.
CO2 emissions have been slashed by 98% compared to an equivalent factory with a production capacity of 400,000 vehicles per year, a feat which represents an annual saving of 135,000 tonnes of CO2. The factory won’t discharge any industrial wastewater into the environment, either, while the total amount of water necessary for manufacturing has been reduced by 70%.
This was achieved by innovative production processes, the use of renewable energies and optimised water recycling management.
In 2011, the Renault Group enjoyed a Motocco market share of 37% with Dacia (market leader) and Renault (second). The group also owns the largest automotive sales network in Morocco, with 64 sales outlets. Renault also has a factory in Casablanca (SOMACA, an 80% Renault-owned subsidiary) which manufactures the Renault Kangoo (cars and vans) and Dacia Logan and Sandero.
