Slovenia’s Economy Minister Matjaž Han announced that the state will contribute up to €40 million in subsidies to support the production of the new Renault Twingo E-Tech at the Revoz plant in Novo Mesto. This initiative is expected to create up to 400 additional jobs over the long term, revitalizing the plant’s operations and bolstering Slovenia’s automotive industry.
A Major Boost for Slovenian Manufacturing
The announcement follows a memorandum of understanding signed on 24 July between the Slovenian government and Renault representatives. The agreement paves the way for the production of the new electric Twingo at the Novo Mesto facility, with production slated to begin in 2026. Initial plans call for the plant to manufacture 150,000 vehicles annually, securing its future as a cornerstone of Slovenia's automotive sector.
State Support for Renault’s Investment
To facilitate the project, Slovenia will allocate €25 million in its 2025 budget and provide an additional €15 million in subsidies, making a total state contribution of €40 million. Minister Han explained that this co-financing aligns with national policies to attract foreign investment and support green innovation.
The overall investment by Renault is estimated to range between €120 million and €400 million, with the exact figure depending on the scale of the project. Under Slovenian law, the government can subsidize 10% to 30% of a company’s investment, indicating the strategic importance of this collaboration.
Preserving and Expanding Employment
The Novo Mesto plant, currently employing 1,400 workers, has historically assembled popular Renault models such as the Clio, Twingo, and e-Twingo. However, production of the Twingo and e-Twingo was discontinued this year, leaving the facility operating on a single shift dedicated to the fifth-generation Clio. The new e-Twingo project will safeguard existing jobs while creating hundreds of additional positions, ensuring long-term viability for the plant.
Preparing for a Green Future
Renault is actively preparing for the investment, and the Slovenian government is awaiting the necessary documentation to finalize the project. The e-Twingo aligns with Renault's strategy to expand its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, supporting the European Union’s push toward sustainable transportation.
Economic and Environmental Impact
This project reinforces Slovenia’s reputation as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment in advanced manufacturing and green technologies. By contributing to Renault’s electric mobility vision, the Revoz plant will play a pivotal role in the transition to sustainable transportation, benefiting both the local economy and the environment.
Securing Slovenia’s Automotive Legacy
The return of the Twingo E-Tech to Novo Mesto highlights the plant's strategic importance to Renault and Slovenia's automotive industry. With significant state backing, the project ensures the long-term preservation of car production in the region, fostering innovation and employment opportunities.
The collaboration between Renault and Slovenia marks a major milestone in the country’s journey toward becoming a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing, setting the stage for economic growth and sustainable development.
