Paris, 21 November 2025 (Agencies): Renault has announced the launch of the 2026 version of its iconic Twingo, a vehicle that marks a historic reversal in automotive development. For the first time, a Western car has been engineered in China and manufactured in Europe, reflecting a bold new strategy to compete directly with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) renowned for affordability and speed-to-market.
Renault’s challenge was ambitious: to design and produce a new EV from scratch in less than two years—half the time typically required by European automakers—and to sell it profitably for under €20,000 while building it in Europe. To achieve this, Renault established a Shanghai R&D center, nicknamed “ACDC” in reference to both the rock band and electrical current. The center employed 160 engineers, including 150 Chinese and 10 French, who immersed themselves in China’s EV ecosystem to adopt faster, more agile development methods.
Lead engineer Jérémie Coiffier explained the approach: “We humbly came to learn to go fast. And learning to go fast isn’t simply learning to do the same thing faster. It’s doing things differently. It’s a transformation.” The results were striking. Renault produced its first prototype in just four weeks, and the entire development process was completed in 21 months.
The new Twingo is priced below €20,000—dropping to around €15,000 after subsidies—making it one of Europe’s most affordable EVs and a direct competitor to Chinese models. Approximately 46% of the car’s components are sourced from China, including a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL and an 82-horsepower motor from Shanghai Edrive. Notably, CATL’s batteries will be manufactured in Hungary, ensuring European production of critical components.
Industry analysts view the Twingo’s development as a turning point for Europe’s auto sector. At a time when policymakers emphasize “decoupling” and “de-risking” from China, Renault has instead embraced collaboration, learning from Chinese speed and efficiency to strengthen its competitiveness. The company’s decision reflects a pragmatic choice: rather than raising tariff walls or retreating from the EV race, Renault has opted to adapt and innovate.
The 2026 Twingo not only represents a breakthrough in affordability and rapid development but also signals a new era of industrial cooperation. For Europe, it is a rare story of humility, transformation, and hope in the face of global competition.