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2016 RENAULT ALPINE - FIRST STEP : LE MANS
Alpine is a sporting and industrial adventure. Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955, it has always shown an outstanding ability to inspire enthusiasm and passion. Renault was able to gauge the extent of this enthusiasm in 2012, when it announced plans to relaunch the Alpine brand and develop a new sports vehicle - the Berlinette of the 21st century - to be launched in 2016. A number of buyers immediately contacted the firm to reserve a car… with no information other than the planned relaunch!
Since 2013, the Alpine brand has been stepping up its sporting commit-ments, taking part in a number of events. Last year, Alpine turned in a remarkable performance, scooping the title in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). In 2014, the Signatech-Alpine team is aiming to do even better, defending its title and aiming for a podium in LM P2 in the Le Mans 24-hour event.
For vehicle production, the Dieppe plant, home of the Alpine brand, is making preparations to build and assemble the chassis and bodywork of the future Alpine. Teams are fully committed to developing a true Alpine production vehicle by 2016 under the management of Bernard Ollivier : “With 90% of design specifications complete and an interior design to be finalized before the summer, enthusiasm is growing around the future Alpine production vehicle, The key words for the vehicle are style, enjoyment and sporting spirit.”
Bye Caterham
Following a mutual agreement between Renault and Caterham Group, Renault has increased its stake in Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham to 100%, following acquisition of the interest held by Caterham Group. Renault will now continue to develop its own Alpine sports car to be launched in 2016, as initially planned. Caterham Group also plans to continue with its own sports car.
This acquisition brings to an end to the partnership signed in November 2012 by Renault and Caterham Group to develop and manufacture sports cars through a joint venture, Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham, owned 50/50 by the two partners. Other forms of cooperation could still be envisaged between Renault and Caterham Group in line with each company’s strategic policy directions.
As a result, Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham will change its name to Société des Automobiles Alpine. The change will be made as part of a general meeting to be held in June.
