Renault to Move Clio Production to Slovenia, Turkey?

Renault SA plans to relocate production of its Clio minicar to factories in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, and Bursa, Turkey, sources tell Reuters. The carmaker says no such decision has been made.

Reuters’ sources say Turkey will become the lead plant for the Clio, followed by the Slovenia facility. Flins would “top up” production only if the two main plants can’t meet demand, probably by assembling kits supplied from Turkey.

Renault had a similar scheme in mind in 2010. But the French government, a 15% shareholder in the company, intervened and blocked the move. This time, Renault is expected to offset the loss of Clio production at Flins by adding a new electric-car program there. The facility currently makes the Zoe EV.