LJUBLJANA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Renault's Slovenian unit Revoz will start producing electric Twingos in 2026, under a deal signed by the carmaker and the Slovenian government on Wednesday.
The factory, which currently produces Clio 5 models, will make 150,000 vehicles in 2026, officials said.
A memorandum of understanding to produce the electric Twingos was signed by Prime Minister Robert Golob, vice-president of Renault Herbert Steiner, and head of Revoz Joze Bele.
The factory, one of the largest in Slovenia had been at risk of being closed. Now with the deal, it will be able to keep its current 1,400 employees and even create new jobs in producing electric cars.
According to Slovenian TV channel Pop, Renault plans to invest at least half a billion euros and create 800 new jobs, representing the biggest foreign investment in Slovenia to date.
The new Twingo will be a small urban model, and is likely to cost about 20,000 euros, officials said.
"Electric cars are the future," said Economy Minister Matjaz Han, adding that the government plans to financially support the investment to the tune of up to 30 million euros.
According to local media, the factory made about 68,000 cars in 2022. ■
