Alpine must regain its place in the court of the major brands of sports cars to achieve the objectives set by Renault: 2 billion euros in turnover in 2026, before increasing to 8 billion by 2030, which implies a flash annual growth of 40% per year desired between 2022 and 2030. The brand founded in 1954 by driver Jean Rédelé in Dieppe (northern France), passed under the control of Renault in 1973, now dreams of competing with Lamborghini, then Ferrari. The Renault group first exploded Alpine’s notoriety in recent years by putting its Formula 1 team in its colors (blue-white-red). These new models should now allow it to increase its sales tenfold, while its current single model, the agile sports A110, should barely pass the 4,000-unit mark in 2023.

Alpine will therefore capitalize on its history, and launch a new model per year by 2030: a muscular city car based on the Renault 5 platform, called A290, in 2024; an SUV manufactured in Dieppe in 2025; an electric A110 berlinetta at the end of 2026, accompanied by a convertible version; a 4-seater (or rather 2 2) sports coupe that should be called the A310; and finally two large sedans or SUVs. The challenge will be to produce electric cars, with heavy batteries therefore, but agile, to respect the DNA of the brand.

The most demanding sports cars in the range will have their own chassis. A collaboration with the British brand Lotus, mentioned at first, did not bear fruit. The future compact SUV is based on the same platform as the electric Renault Mégane, to limit costs. “We have created a full-fledged premium car business,” Renault CEO Luca de Meo said at a press conference. “The shift to electric technology opens up opportunities that will see us outpace all the competition,” he said. Yes, many parts will be shared with other vehicles in the group, but “Alpine’s team will spice it up,” de Meo assured. The brand crowns the diamond group’s offer, which includes Dacia at the entry level and Renault repositioned “at the heart of the market” and soon 100% electric, underlined the leader of the group.

While expanding the Alpine range, Renault wants to continue to boost its notoriety. The arrival of the Alpine brand in F1, in place of Renault Sport, allowed it to enter “the big leagues”, giving it “prestige and credibility with connoisseurs, but also visibility in the media,” Mr. de Meo noted. Alpine currently sits 5th in the Constructors’ World Championship in F1 with its two French drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. The team still needs to “grow” to play in the top places in a few years, added Alpine director Laurent Rossi.

Alpine will also have the task of winning over wealthy customers internationally, an area where Renault has always failed. In Europe, the number of brand outlets has doubled in just two years, with 140 outlets at the end of 2022. The berlinettas are selling well in Japan and the brand is starting to interest the United States. Renault announced on Monday that American investors had paid 200 million euros to buy 24% of the capital of its team, and in particular to develop merchandising. Among the investors, the RedBird Capital fund, owner of AC Milan in Italy, or the Maximum Effort fund of Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds. He distinguished himself by bringing a small Welsh football club up to professional level. Maximum Effort “focuses on creating value through the power of storytelling. We believe Alpine Racing has incredible potential to develop,” Maximum Effort co-founder James Toney said in a statement. The new models could also be offered from 2027 in Asia, particularly in China, where Alpine hopes to reach 1 billion euros in sales.