ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Anatomy of a Comeback,” a documentary series consisting of four episodes of 40 minutes each, made by Breath Film and Sans Borne tells from the inside the unprecedented transformation plan of an automaker, Renault Group. In an industry that is usually very closed, the company opens its doors wide for the first time: from the design of new models, such as the Renault 5, to the pits of the Alpine F1 team, via production secrets and the exclusive reveal of a new model, a journey that will take you around the world… Anatomy of a comeback explains how Renault Group managed to transform itself in the wake of a crisis never seen in the industry, which occurred in early 2020. In danger of disappearing, the company launches a plan that gives it its last chance. President Jean-Dominique Senard turns to Luca de Meo who, flanked by his team, takes the reins of this revolution. A true human adventure told by characters who have faced great challenges, grappling with difficulties and defeats, but also successes.The first episode, “Revolution or Death,” recounts when in November 2018, Carlos Ghosn, at that time CEO of Renault-Nissan, is arrested in Japan. An incredible scandal erupts.The automotive group is in full turmoil. In June 2020, to save Renault Group, Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Board, realizes that radical change is needed and turns to Luca de Meo. The latter surrounds himself with a good team to change everything and launches a new plan he calls Renaulution. What does the strategy consist of? Remake cars that stand out from the crowd, bet on electric vehicles and made in France. The launch of the new R5, the brand’s iconic model, must embody this revolution. Luca de Meo also decides to bet on Alpine to build a French luxury sports brand. Somewhere between an industrial challenge and a race against time, his plan, unveiled in January 2021, wins everyone over but at the same time raises questions. In such an economic context and with the disastrous financial situation in which the Group finds itself, does Luca de Meo have the means to realize his ambitions?The second episode “Weathering the Storms” is set in February 2021, when Renault announces historic losses. But the Group has an ace up its sleeve: Dacia, a Romanian brand acquired in 1999 to produce affordable models, such as Logan. Since then, it has never stopped winning over the public… The Brand, whose range continues to grow, is no longer hiding its ambitions and is setting out to conquer the Dakar. But above all, the Group transforms its factories in northern France into a revolutionary center for electric vehicles: ElectriCity. And a project that leaves its mark at a time when, in February 2022, the manufacturer returns to profitability. Just as Renault Group seems to have saved itself, the invasion of Ukraine comes as another blow to the company, which decides to pull out of Russia, resulting in losses of 2 billion euros. To make matters worse, Alpine has a slump in Formula 1, undermining the brand’s ambitious strategy. “Fighting Spirit” is the title of the third episode. Luca de Meo, who can no longer stand the tensions between Alpine’s French and British Formula 1 teams, goes to the technical headquarters in Enstone, England, to restore harmony between the teams. In January 2024, therefore, the Formula 1 team is sent to attend a GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale) training course. Alpine not only needs to improve performance in Formula 1, but also to be competitive at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the legendary Endurance race that is incredibly back in vogue. But isn’t this double challenge too ambitious? On the product side, the challenges posed to Alpine are immense: it is to present 7 vehicles by 2030, including A390, the brand’s first electric crossover. In the meantime, Renault is preparing the ground for the R5’s return: first of all, the brand’s enchantment must be revived, the mythical slogan of voitures à vivre reactivated, and an offensive marketing campaign pursued. Meanwhile, Dacia is targeting a new market with a larger model, Bigster. A risky decision in an industry where the slightest imperfection costs dearly. “The future is already here” is the fourth and final episode. In Morocco, Sèbastien Loeb tests for the first time the Dacia with which he will compete in the upcoming Dakar Rally. In February 2024, at the Geneva Motor Show, R5 is presented to the public, arousing enthusiasm beyond all expectations. For the first time in 18 years, the prestigious “Car of the Year” award is won by Renault, with Scenic E-Tech Electric. Behind these encouraging signs lie many challenges, especially since the automotive industry is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history with electrification. Renault Group executives Jean-Dominique Senard and Luca de Meo are fighting on all fronts at the highest political levels to defend a European automotive model, going from the French Senate all the way to Brussels. As for Alpine, the team comes full of ambition to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But the race promises to be difficult and the obstacles numerous. As he recharges his batteries for a few days in Italy, the CEO thinks back on the four intense years just past. His revolution is far from over and he still has other projects in mind.
photo: press office Renault Group Italy
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