French factory workers fear being overtaken in the electric car revolution
The Renault factory at Cléon in north-west France specialises in engines and engine components. However, it has been revealed that the engine for the upcoming electric Twingo car – a vehicle on which the giant manufacturer is pinning great hopes - is to be produced in China. Trade unions representing workers at the French factory are concerned that the recent decline in workforce numbers will become even worse as the group offshores ever more of its production. Manuel Sanson reports.
InIn the voluminous offices of the works council at Renault's Cléon factory, members of the main trade union there, the CGT, are mulling over recent developments amid a mood of shock and resignation. A few months ago, the factory's director confirmed reports in the specialist press that the engine for the carmaker's new electric Twingo car will not be made at the site near Rouen in north-west France. Instead, it will be produced at a factory in China.
