ICE age? Renault investing big in development and production of the internal combustion engine, despite electric car future

Renault believes there will be strong demand for ICE and petrol-electric hybrid models for many years to come.

Thanks to the intense focus automotive manufacturers around the globe are placing on the development of electric vehicles you'd be forgiven for thinking the internal combustion engine (ICE) has already been consigned to the scrap heap of history.

But Renault is one brand that recognises a diverse global marketplace means there will be strong demand for ICE and petrol-electric hybrid models for many years to come.

The recently renewed and reinforced Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has committed to a 'Towards 2030' strategy under which Renault Group has established multiple development pillars: Ampere - EV and software, Alpine - EV performance models, Mobilize - financial services (in new mobility, energy and data), The Future is Neutral - recycling, and Power - low emissions ICE and hybrid vehicles.

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Underpinning the Power initiative is Renault Group's 50/50 joint-venture with Chinese auto giant Geely. Dubbed the Horse Project it's based on sharing technological, manufacturing and R&D assets to further develop ICE powertrains.

As Renault Australia general manager, Glen Sealey told CarsGuide, "The fact Renault is still investing in the internal combustion engine shows it has an international focus beyond Europe.

"Africa, many parts of Asia, not to mention Australia still need an internal combustion engine," he said.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the internal combustion engine (ICE) has already been consigned to the scrap heap of history. (image: jannoon028)

Group Renault predicts, "ICE and hybrid vehicles will still represent up to 50 per cent of passenger cars sales worldwide, even by 2040."

"Developing efficient technologies in that field remains key for the future of any global OEM.

"Therefore, Renault Group is ensuring the further development of its core business, with the launch of a totally new range of Renault ICE and hybrid passenger cars and light-commercial vehicles, with the creation of a worldwide supplier, leading in ICE and hybrid powertrain technologies."

Group Renault predicts, “ICE and hybrid vehicles will still represent up to 50 per cent of passenger cars sales worldwide, even by 2040.” (image: Aop Punyo)

There are obvious parallel benefits for Mitsubishi and Nissan from the Horse Project, and Group Renault's commitment comes at the same time as General Motors' recent announcement that it will invest US$918 million in its production facilities in the US, with the majority of that figure targeted at preparing for production of the company's sixth-generation small-block V8. Chevy Silverado, anyone?

Ford also knows which side its full-size pick-up truck bread is buttered on. At the same time as the Blue Oval is investing heavily in new EVs, the company's director of corporate and public policy communications, T.R. Reid told Autoweek in the US, "We also see a role for efficient and hybrid internal combustion engines in certain applications in North America as we work to meet our commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050."

And BMW chairman Oliver Zipse is also on the record saying he believes demand for internal combustion engine powered cars "will remain robust for many years to come".