Renault Symbol made in Algeria, an « Extreme » version
© BADAWI, Nasreddin / ICONE
The Renault Algérie Production plant is a robust cooperative initiative between Renault and Algeria that gives birth to an automotive industry in Algeria, the second-largest automotive market on the African continent. The plant produces New Renault Symbol with an annual production capacity of 25,000, which may in the long-term be increased to 75,000. New Renault Symbol made in Algeria is the first vehicle in Algeria to be equipped with a GPS. New Renault Symbol made in Algeria will be marketed as Symbol “Extrême”, a name clearly distinguishing it as the high-end Symbol model.
Renault in Algeria, a story that dates back to 1922
Une Renault 4CV dans le désert algérien en 1948 © Renault Communication – Droits réservés
For Renault, this industrial project is the culmination of more than 90 years’ presence in the country. At end-2013 the Renault group had been the unrivalled leader in the Algerian automotive market for 8 years with its Renault and Dacia brands. The project was also brought to fruition through the hard work of men and women. As part of a dynamic recruitment and training policy, close to 350 employees were hired at the plant, 40% of them women. In addition, some 500 new jobs were created in subcontracting.
Industrial project milestones in Oran for Renault
May 25, 2012: Renault and the Algerian government sign a memorandum of understanding to progressively build up an automotive industry in Algeria.
December 19, 2012: Renault, Société Nationale de Véhicules Industriels (SNVI) and the Algerian National Investment Fund (FNI) sign a shareholders’ agreement with a view to creating a joint company (49% Renault, 34% SNVI and 17% INF).
January 31, 2013: The Renault Algérie Production company is founded.
September 25, 2013: Construction begins at the Oued Tlelat site near Oran.
September 26, 2014: Manufacturing agreement is signed for the Renault Algérie Production plant.
November 10, 2014: The plant is inaugurated.
© BADAWI, Nasreddin / ICONE
Photo credit (main picture) : Omar Sefouane