Renault Considers Plant Closures Amid Global Market Decline

"We have no taboos, and we exclude nothing. [...] 2019 was a difficult year for Renault," said Clotilde Delbos, Renault’s interim CEO, during the presentation of Renault’s financial results on Friday, February 14.
Unfortunately, 2020 is not reassuring. "For 2020, in a still declining global market, we anticipate a further deterioration in our operating profitability," said the former chief financial officer of the French automaker, former collaborator of Carlos Ghosn, currently on the run.

As a result, Renault wants to close certain plants, reports Le Parisien. "None of the five assembly plants, or the three mechanical plants (NDLR: which manufacture separate elements, such as engines, gearboxes or chassis) are spared the risk," denounces Fabien Gâche, CGT central union delegate.

According to Jean-Pierre Corniou, automotive expert and partner at the consulting firm Sia Partners, Renault’s deindustrialization in France unfortunately dates back a long time. "It is directly linked to the relocation movement, which began in the 2000s, but has intensified even more in recent years, even more so for Renault than for PSA," he comments. The question remains whether Morocco will be affected.