Car and van manufacturers in Europe are meeting CO₂ emission targets ahead of deadlines, with Renault leading the way. A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) confirms that most manufacturers have already reduced emission rates to standards that will be legally enforced in the next few years – even if there are significant variations between manufacturers and countries.

Renault today inaugurated the first vehicle manufacturing plant in Algeria, the second-largest automotive market on the African continent behind South Africa. The Renault Algérie Plant, located on the Gulf of Oran 430 km from the capital city of Algiers, has annual production capacity of 25,000 units, which may be increased to 75,000 units in the long term.

The www.sustainable-mobility.org website, launched by Renault in 2009 under its wide-reaching electric-vehicle initiative, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

Renault is joining forces with French electric vehicle specialist Bolloré to accelerate the spread of zero-emission EVs in Europe. The partnership covers three projects with the specific aim of reducing the environmental impact of conventionally powered cars.

Renault and Nissan have announced major senior management changes. Effective Oct. 1, 2014, Bruno Ancelin is appointed Executive Vice President, Product Planning and Programs of the Renault group. He will replace Philippe Klein. Ancelin will join the Renault Executive Committee and report to Thierry Bolloré, Renault’s Chief Competitive Officer.

Philippe Klein has been appointed Chief Planning Officer of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., effective Sept. 15, 2014. He will replace Andy Palmer, who is leaving the company. Klein will report to Carlos Ghosn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nissan, and join the Nissan Executive Committee.

Renault and Fiat have signed an agreement under which Renault will supply Fiat with a light commercial vehicle based on a Renault platform.

Some of the world’s top racing drivers – including a Grand Prix winner, an Indycar champion, former F1 aces and up-and-coming stars – have had their first official taste of all electric racing.

The ten teams entered for the FIA Formula E series took to the Donington Park race circuit in the UK last week for the first official test. Everyone enjoyed the speed, handling and grip of the innovative Spark-Renault SRT_01E single-seater.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June was a chance for both Nissan and Renault to showcase their latest innovations, including several concept cars. Visitors to the festival were treated to an exciting glimpse of the future.

Based in the grounds of Goodwood House in the English countryside, the Festival of Speed is a three-day celebration of motorsports, attracting 180,000 people annually. Its centrepiece is the historic hill climb, but the event also gives manufacturers a chance to present breakthrough concepts – and Nissan and Renault made the most of this opportunity.