Renault delivers first ZOE EV to French industry minister Arnaud Montebourg

Renault has presented the keys of the first ZOE to Arnaud Montebourg, French Minister of Industrial Recovery, which had ordered a vehicle at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.

Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer of the Renault group, has handed over the keys to the first ZOE in the Cour d’Honneur of the Bercy Finance Ministry. ZOE is Renault’s first full-electric car and qualifies for a €7,000 government environmental bonus, bringing the starting price in France down to €13,700 (including VAT). The Minister of Industrial Recovery is the first customer to take delivery of ZOE before mass launch in the Renault network in spring 2013.

“The first ZOE delivery is a vital step in Renault’s electric vehicle offensive, aimed at making zero-emission mobility affordable for the greatest number. The commitment of the government and Mr Montebourg, as confirmed today, is a decisive advantage for making France a robust cornerstone of electric vehicle development and serves to reinforce Renault’s position as a French champion on the international stage,” said Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer of the Renault group.

The launch will be accompanied by the widespread development of public and private charging stations with the support of the taskforce headed by Philippe Hirtzman and tasked with stimulating and backing infrastructure projects in large urban agglomerations.