Le Figaro reports that Renaud Dutreil, the French minister for small business, said on Saturday that the world has entered the post-petrol era in which received ideas about how cars are powered must be rejected.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


On the same day, the minister test drove Cleanova 3, the new, electric version of the Renault Scenic. The new model can travel at up to 130kmph and runs for 470km on 20 litres of fuel. It has been developed by Societe de Vehicules Electriques (SVE), a company set up by the French automotive development and production group Henri Heuliez and French industrial group Dassault.
 
Mr Dutreil would like to see electric cars used by French taxi drivers and public-sector workers, the report said. Similarly, the French post office, La Poste, believes that another electric model developed for Renault, the Kangoo Electrique, could meet 90 per cent of its demand when it calls for tenders to replace a third of its fleet in 2007.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now