SHANGHAI -- French carmaker Renault Group has launched its first research and development center in China for electric vehicle development, CEO Luca de Meo revealed in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Located in Shanghai, the Advanced China Development Center currently employs around 150 personnel and focuses on developing EV products for the European market. Among its projects is the Twingo E-Tech electric prototype, set to debut in 2026 at a price below 20,000 euros ($20,584).

Luca De Meo praised China's EV industry for its R&D speed, cost efficiency and advanced technology, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with Chinese ecosystem partners for European automakers.

He said that the establishment of the ACDC aims to incorporate these advantages into Renault Group's product development for the European market, strengthening its global competitiveness.

The ACDC includes specialized teams focused on engineering, procurement and cost accounting, with plans for future expansion. Its primary responsibilities include scouting, supplier network building and vehicle and system development, all of which contribute to accelerating Renault Group's product development process.

Luca de Meo spoke highly of China's EV technology and supply chain, particularly its advancements in battery technology, and highlighted that Renault Group has strengthened its partnership with CATL, China's major battery maker.

China is the world's largest producer and seller of new energy electric vehicles (NEVs), with its total NEV output last year estimated at over 12 million, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

When discussing leading enterprises in China's automotive industry, Luca de Meo said, "Some of them possess a creativity that is truly remarkable for car enthusiasts," and added, "While they are indeed competitors, they can also serve as inspiration for us."

The CEO emphasized the benefits of Renault Group's collaboration with the Chinese engineering system. "When I came to the company four years ago, we were doing cars between 48 and 60 months. Now we can do a car in one-third of the time," he said. "Take Twingo for example, the car will be developed in less than two years."

Founded in 1898, Renault Group is a leading international automotive group with multiple brands. In 2024, it achieved global sales of over 2.26 million vehicles, up 1.3 percent year on year.