Renault cuts 800 France jobs

Renault Group is planning to cut 800 engineering jobs in France by the end of 2027 as part of a broader strategy to reduce its total engineering workforce by 15% to 20%. This move is driven by the need to become leaner and more competitive against Chinese rivals, who have significantly increased their market share in Europe with advanced and competitively priced vehicles. The plan, announced by Philippe Brunet, Renault's chief technology officer, also includes retraining 2,500 workers and hiring 150-200 new employees focused on electrification, software, and artificial intelligence. Renault aims to simplify R&D operations and reduce vehicle development times to match the faster pace set by Chinese competitors. The company expects union approval in July, with implementation starting in September. Other European automakers like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz Group are also exploring cost-cutting and efficiency measures.