Dongfeng Renault Automotive Company (DRAC) has opened its first plant in China.
The inauguration of the production facility, which is located in Wuhan, Hubei Province, comes two years after the formation of the DRAC joint venture (JV) between Groupe Renault and Dongfeng Group.
The DRAC site boasts a vehicle assembly plant, a powertrain plant, and a research and development (R&D) centre, which will be used to adapt products in line with market requirements.
The initial annual production capacity of the Wuhan facility is 150,000 vehicles, although this figure could be doubled to 300,000 in line with future demand.
Commenting on the facility’s inauguration, Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Group Renault, said: “Thanks to a talented, multicultural team, the Wuhan plant was built in record time to our highest quality standards. This is a milestone in our long-term partnership with Dongfeng Group, as well as for Renault’s growth. China is a core part of Renault’s strategic plan.”
The Renault Kadjar sports utility vehicle (SUV) will be the first model to be manufactured in Wuhan. The vehicle’s design has been tailored for the Chinese market, according to DRAC.
Unveiled at the 13th Guangzhou Motor Show in Q4 2015, the Renault Kadjar will go on sale in China in March of this year.
