Renault proposes the creation of a high-tech center of excellence in Viry-Châtillon

The 334 employees of Alpine F1, proud of developing Formula 1 engines for 50 years, will have to mourn this activity. This Monday, Renault management announced to them that they had to turn the page. It will be final from 2026.

Instead, the Renault group is offering to create a center of excellence called Hypertech Alpine on the current Viry-Châtillon (Essonne) site, which will bring together a “engineering with cutting-edge technical knowledge and expertise in high-performance automobiles, at the service of Alpine and Renault Group”says the group. This center should start its activities at the end of the year. He will devote himself to the development of a «super car» Alpine, the launch of which is now confirmed.

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Perpetuate know-how

Furthermore, he will participate in research and development relating to new chemistries. «solid state» of batteries. Engineering will also work on new electric motor technologies and pursue sporting programs for the world endurance championship or the Dakar, says Renault. The engineering activity will also be carried out for third parties.

«This is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site which will make it possible to perpetuate know-how and integrate its rare skills into the ambitious future of the Group, while also strengthening Alpine in its position as a garage of innovation “, welcomed Philippe Krief, general manager of Alpine. “Its sporting DNA remains a pillar of the brand and will continue to nourish, in particular thanks to Hypertech Alpine, an unprecedented industrial and automotive project.”

Even if the group promised that everyone would be offered a position, Alpine F1 employees do not hide their disappointment. “Our fight was to maintain the engine activity for F1, regrets a member of the CSE. If we lose F1, we will lose the skills and infrastructure that came with it. Luca de Meo was committed to the Alpine engine project over the next ten years. he recalls. “The promise was made to us and we were still recruiting in September for this activity”.

Electricity “not our thing”

To switch to these new activities, employees will need to be trained. “But not everyone will find what they’re looking for, underlines another trade unionist. Electric is not necessarily their thing and some have lost confidence in their management”. Renault has not officially declared that it will now rely on Mercedes which already equips the Williams, McLaren and Aston Martin teams. The cost of purchasing an engine from an external engine manufacturer being limited to 17 million euros, Renault management is counting on savings of around 120 million euros per year by subcontracting this activity. .