Renault is already disconnecting its Mobilize subsidiary dedicated to new mobility

If the presumed policy of François Provost, who succeeds Luca de Meo at the head of the Renault group, is close to that of his predecessor, the new boss has just taken a decision contrary to the strategy of his predecessor.

Among the many projects launched by Luca de Meo, the charismatic boss of the group notably created the subsidiary Mobilize Beyond Automotive in 2021, dedicated to new mobility solutions. From now on, the group announces that it is drawing a line under this entity. It must be said that the launch of Mobilize was tumultuous, notably with the abandonment of its Limo sedan dedicated to VTCs and taxis, which did not have the expected reception. The Duo electric quadricycle, which succeeds the Renault Twizy, was also delayed and its commercial debut was not encouraging. François Provost therefore decided to stop its marketing, although one could have imagined that his career would be extended under the Dacia brand, for example.

Only charging solutions are included

But Mobilize’s activities went well beyond the marketing of vehicles. Like many other manufacturers, Renault wanted to expand its scope through this entity, in particular by offering a car-sharing service and charging solutions for electric cars. Renault seems for the moment to draw a line under car sharing, operated via the Zity brand, by stopping its activities in Milan and soon those in Madrid.

Renault, however, retains the charging solutions implemented by Mobilize, now integrated into the diamond’s commercial operations under the responsibility of Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer of Renault Group. They include a charging pass (the Mobilize Charge Pass), a network of fast charging stations (Mobilize Fast Charge), or even a bi-directional V2G charging solution.

“Mobilize Beyond Automotive is no longer an entity. Commercial use of the Mobilize brand continues for Mobilize Financial Services and will be evaluated, for other offerings, over the coming months”specifies Renault Group, which justifies the cessation of “certain activities developed by Mobilize Beyond Automotive (…)either because their prospects for financial profitability are limited or because synergies with the group’s core activities are limited.”

If the desire to get away from the sole sale of cars is shared by many manufacturers, particularly in the face of a European market in decline year after year, this strategy seems difficult to implement. Seat has also paid the price and now seems to be returning to an economic model closer to that of traditional car manufacturers.

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