Renault founded in Boulogne-Billancourt by Louis Renault and his brothers — France's largest automaker for most of the 20th century; Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance forms 1999 under Carlos Ghosn.

Zoe launches in Europe — becomes the continent's best-selling EV through the mid-2010s. Battery-leasing model lowers purchase price but later confuses consumers; sales decline as competitors offer simpler ownership.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announces 'Drive the Future' plan with 12 new BEVs by 2022 — at the time the world's largest auto alliance commits to becoming an EV leader, well before VW Dieselgate response.

Megane eVision concept previews the future Megane E-Tech — Renault's pivot from cheap-and-cheerful EV (Zoe) to design-forward dedicated EV platforms.

Renault 5 E-Tech concept revealed at IAA Munich — an electric homage to the iconic 1970s hatchback, signaling Renault's heritage-driven design strategy for European mass-market EVs.

Megane E-Tech goes on sale in Europe — Renault's first bespoke EV after a decade of Zoe; built on the new CMF-EV platform shared with Nissan Ariya.

Spins off Ampere as Renault's dedicated EV/software entity — aiming for IPO; Ampere targets 1M EVs by 2031 and is intended to give Renault a 'Tesla-like' valuation premium for its EV business.

Cancels Ampere IPO citing weak market conditions — absorbs Ampere back into Renault Group; signals broader European retreat from EV-only-spinoff strategies as luxury EV demand softens.

Renault 5 E-Tech production version unveiled at Geneva Motor Show — targeted at sub-€25K mass-market segment and a defining bet that European EV sales need an emotional, affordable hero product.

Renault 5 E-Tech reaches first customers — wins 2025 European Car of the Year, validating Renault's heritage-EV bet and providing the only bright spot in 2024 European EV demand softness.

Renault and Nissan formally loosen Alliance cross-shareholdings — Renault stake in Nissan reduced toward 15%; the Alliance evolves toward operational partnership rather than the deeper integration that defined 1999-2018.