Renault To Drop Scenic, Espace And Talisman, Develop New Crossovers And SUVs?

If the latest reports prove accurate, Renault will reshuffle its model lineup in the near future by dropping some of its iconic vehicles and developing new high riders to cater to customer demand.

Quoting sources close to the brand, Reuters reports that the Scenic and Espace minivans are among the cars that will be axed, and so is the Talisman midsize car. These are all part of the €2 billion ($2.16 billion) cost-cutting measures that will be implemented over the next three years.

“The project is not yet completely set in stone, but the Espace, the Scenic and the large sedan Talisman should already be considered scrapped from the future product program, it is practically a given that these models will stop”, an undisclosed source told the news outlet. “In short, fewer minivans and sedans, and a focus on crossover and SUVs.”

Read Also: Renault Could Ditch The Megane, Focus On Electric Cars Instead

After phasing out the two minivans and midsize car, Renault will try to benefit more from the alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi. Some speak about a new Kadjar model, with five and seven seats, which will continue to be built in Spain. On the other hand, the Douai factory in northern France, where the Scenic, Espace and Talisman are made, will apparently build two new models based on the Alliance’s new electrical platform.

Besides the new high-riding vehicles that will enter Renault’s new portfolio after it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, electrified cars are a given. The firm is currently negotiating with the French government for a €4-€5 billion ($4.3-$5.4 billion) aid that will be a breath of fresh air after the drop in sales and production.