London HQ for new ICE and hybrid powertrain venture from Geely and Renault

Renault Group and Geely have officially launched a joint venture business, HORSE Powertrain, headquartered in London, which will focus on future generations of hybrid systems, internal combustion engines, transmissions and battery solutions.

It wants to pave the way for ultra-low emission hybrid and combustion technologies.

Although the UK and Europe have aims for widespread adoption of zero carbon emission cars, typically purely electric-powered, electrification of some countries around the world will be harder and both Renault Group and Geely expect demand for efficient combustion engines to continue for many years. They said more than half of vehicles produced for global demand are expected to still rely on combustion engines by 2040.

They believe that a combination of various powertrain technologies is necessary, including highly efficient internal combustion engines (ICE), lower carbon e-fuels, and hydrogen, to achieve a successful decarbonisation in a world .

Luca de Meo, chief executive of Renault Group, said: “Today marks an important step in meeting the greatest challenges facing the automotive industry: the decarbonization of road transport. Partnering with a leading company like Geely to create a new player with the capability and expertise to develop ultra-low emission internal combustion engines and high economy hybrid technologies is key for the future.