VW is currently having negotiations with Renault. The talks are apparently at an "early stage” and one of the goals is to achieve an annual production of 200,000 to 250,000 cars for both automakers, according to Handelsblatt. However, with the discussions being at a preliminary stage, they might not materialize into actual products.
While VW refuted to comment, a spokesperson for Renault contacted by Automotive News Europe did say: "We are in different discussions, but nothing has been finalized."
Renault is using the Ampr Small (formerly CMF-BEV) architecture as the basis for the new 5, 4 and Twingo models currently under development. Up to 70 percent of the parts for these EVs will come from the existing CMF-B platform used by the Renault Clio to reduce costs.
It's unclear if VW's entry-level electric car will have anything in common with the Twingo, or if the plan is to develop a new architecture. The cheapest Renault EV will also cost below the €20,000 mark and will replace today's Twingo Z.E.