2007 Interactive Registration Document - Renault

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas
for Vehicles (CNG)
In 2007, Renault sold 8,161 dual-fuel vehicles (gas and gasoline) in Europe. Two
gas fuels are currently available on the market: LPG and CNG. These two fuels
simultaneously meet two challenges: increase independence from conventional
fuels, 98% of which are oil-based, and reduce the environmental impact of
fuels by cutting CO 2 tailpipe emissions and exhaust gases.
LPG and NGV versions of Kangoo, Clio and Scénic have been brought out in
Europe along with other products specifi cally designed for markets seeking to
make use of local resources. In 2007 Renault launched a Logan LPG (mainly
for Romania). In fi rst-half 2008 the Logan CNG will go on sale in Iran.
Electric vehicles ✦
Renault is at the leading edge of electric vehicles. Alliance vehicles equipped with
this technology are set make their appearance in 2011, with electric production
vehicles scheduled to arrive on the market in 2012. Renault-Nissan and Project
Better Place signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2008 for the
fi rst application on the Israeli market of 100% electric vehicles equipped with
lithium-ion batteries for greater range and longevity.
In the city, the debate over cutting CO 2 emissions by 20% or 30% will be
obsolete. It will be “zero emissions” immediately. Investments are heavily
focused on batteries, with major efforts in lithium-ion technology. Today, studies
show that 20% of vehicles are used primarily in the city. In Europe alone,
that’s a market of between three and four million vehicles! Many public entities
(post offi ce, electric utilities) and municipalities are interested and have already
contacted Renault. The market is ready for an electric vehicle that establishes
an attractive balance between performance, maintenance, recharging time
and cost. But a good battery is not the only requirement. The vehicle will also
require a good concept and good design.
3.2.2.2 AIR QUALITY
MANUFACTURING
Volatile Organic Compounds
The VOCs released by solvents used in paint shops are the main source of
atmospheric emissions generated by Renault’s activities. They have been reduced
over a number of years by introducing the best available technologies and best
managerial practices at all Group sites when installations are modernized:
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development of air treatment facilities as in Maubeuge (France) for the new
Kangoo project;
implementation of new water-based paint production lines in Bursa and
Pitesti, allowing the sites to increase their production capacity while cutting
their VOC emissions;
improved effi ciency of paint application by implementing a new-generation
electrostatic process at the Pitesti, Bursa and Valladolid plants, which cuts
the consumption of paint basecoats.
✦ Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Directives
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 03
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
Today, more than 75% of sites are equipped with the latest clean technologies,
and all Group sites worldwide control their VOC emissions, applying an identical
and exhaustive accounting system to both point and diffuse emissions.
Group emissions, calculated per vehicle, have fallen by almost two-thirds over
the past ten years: from 13 kg per vehicle produced in 1998 to 4.8 kg per
vehicle in 2007.
Combustion emissions of SO 2 and NOx ✦
Renault is continuing its program to change the fuel used in its plants, by
replacing fuel-oil by natural gas. The aim is to cut sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) and
nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The percentage of fuel-oil and coal in the
thermal energy consumed by Renault fell from 26% in 1999 to 2.5% in 2007.
As the next stage in the progress plan, Renault is installing boilers with low-
NOx burners.
Since 2003 SO 2 and NOx emissions have been evaluated by taking into account
all types of combustion. Between 2003 and 2007 SO 2 emissions were reduced
by 81% and NOx emissions by 22%.
USE ✦
At year-end 2007, all Renault vehicles marketed in Europe complied with Euro 4,
the new standard that requires a reduction of almost 50% in car emissions in
relation to Euro 3. For the international market, Renault is adapting the technical
specifi cations of its powertrains to suit local conditions (fuel quality, climate,
dust, etc.). In general, Renault is well within local regulatory requirements, since
most versions sold are Euro 3.
Efforts are continuing, particularly with a gradual introduction into Renault’s
ranges of vehicles equipped with new technologies (catalytic particulate fi lter,
new-generation common rail, etc.). From launch, New Laguna 2.0 dCi respects
the pollutant emission thresholds set by the Euro 5 standard, which becomes
applicable in September 2009.
3.2.2.3 NOISE ✦
Several years ago Renault set a highly ambitious target of 71dB (A) of external
noise for its new vehicles and undertook a number of major initiatives to
reach it.
New Twingo (depending on the engine fi t) has joined the club of vehicles with
noise levels that are 3dB (A) lower than the regulatory requirement of 74dB (A),
alongside Vel Satis, Espace, Laguna, Mégane and Modus. This corresponds to
a 50% reduction in noise intensity compared with Twingo I. Special care was
taken with the vehicle structure to fi lter out the noise generated by the engine
and transmission.
The acoustics of New Laguna were designed to minimize noise:
n engine boom was signifi cantly reduced at low speeds using a twin-mass
damping fl ywheel, and at high speeds using two balancer shifts;
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Registration Document Renault 2007 99