Renault’s used parts facility to boost reuse in automotive sector

Renault Trucks has built a factory for used parts in France, inspired by a circular economy business model.

Renault says offering a used parts hub is ‘the logical next step’ following its used trucks repurposing and remanufacturing operations at Bourg-en-Bresse and Limoges. At the new facility in Vénissieux, the brand’s trucks will be dismantled and their parts reused.

This 3 000m2 plant, built as close as possible to the logistics centre, will handle Renault Trucks vehicles with high mileages, along with some parts that still have substantial potential for reuse.

Once the parts have been removed, other components will be recycled. Rails, for example, will be cut up and sent to a nearby foundry and extracted metal will be used to manufacture new vehicles.

The components intended for reuse will then be checked, cleaned and labelled for listing and traceability purposes. They will then be sent to the nearby Renault Trucks spare parts store, as with new spares.

The items marketed under the label ‘Used Parts by Renault Trucks’ will be made available to dealers on the manufacturer’s online marketplace. They will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and their cost will be significantly lower compared to new.

The initiative was backed by a preliminary feasibility study conducted in 2020 by Renault in tandem with the specialist Indra Automobile Recycling and Ademe, the French environment and energy management agency.

Over the past five years, Renault has invested in the circular economy, applying a three-pronged approach that consists in regenerating, re-purposing and recycling used trucks. The brand is also exploring how to extend the lives of its vehicles.

With this new offer, Renault is continuing on its path towards carbon neutrality. It is also addressing a shortage of components and raw materials that is impacting the industry as a whole.