Budget car brand Dacia to stick with combustion engines beyond 2030

BELGRADE: Renault's low-cost sub-brand Dacia aims to sell cars with internal combustion engines at least into the next decade, chief executive Denis Le Vot says.

"We want to be among the last to offer diesel and petrol engines," said Vot. "When the new Duster arrives at the end of the year, it will be with a hybrid battery at best, but not with pure e-drive."

Dacia's robust models appeal to budget-minded motorists and many are sold outside Europe in developing and emerging countries which have not yet set targets aimed at getting more electrics on the roads.

The Dacia executive said the company would pursue its own electric strategy and was not interested in "the arms race" for more range and faster charging times

"The whole world is aiming for 500km and 30 minutes, but that costs €40,000 (RM205,000) and more and it won't happen at Dacia," said the marque chief.

"We don't want the best e-cars, but the cheapest ones, and that's why we're consciously cutting back on these benchmarks," said Le Vot.

Executives have said Dacia will electrify as the technology becomes more affordable in order not to alienate Dacia’s price-conscious customer base.

The Dacia Spring is currently brand's only electrified model. The full-electric minicar is assembled in China and exported to Europe where it accounts for 12% of Dacia sales.