Renault remains committed to the Algerian automotive market. The French automaker, whose factory has been idle since 2020 and has yet to receive approval from Algerian authorities to resume production and sales in the country, is making what may be its final attempt before potentially exiting Algeria.
In 2023, Renault submitted an initial application in line with the new regulations established in November 2022, which set conditions for vehicle imports and manufacturing in Algeria. After a long wait, the French automaker has renewed its efforts.
According to reliable sources, TSA Algérie has learned that Renault Algérie recently relaunched the process by submitting a new application for approval to the Ministry of Industry.
Renault Algérie Production: “Our Position Has Not Changed”
The diamond-logo brand continues to hope for authorization to reopen its factory in Oued Tlelat, near Oran, and resume assembling popular models like the Clio and Dacia Stepway, as well as importing and selling vehicles.
However, Renault’s Algerian subsidiary is facing mounting financial difficulties. According to sources, the automaker is expected to make a critical decision about its future in Algeria by the end of the first half of 2025. When asked by TSA about its plans in Algeria, Renault Algérie Production (RAP) stated: “As for RAP, our position has not changed.”
This stance was reiterated last November by the director of Renault Algérie Production in response to rumors about the closure of the Oran factory: “RAP’s teams are eager to implement the relaunch and development project for the industrial facility, thereby contributing to the revival of Algeria’s automotive industry.”
Renault Algérie Tries Again
Once the market leader in Algeria, Renault lost its position after the closure of its Oran factory, which opened in 2014. The downturn followed the cancellation in early 2020 of preferential import policies for SKD/CKD kits used for vehicle assembly.
This policy change came amid major corruption investigations launched in 2019, which targeted Algerian car dealership owners. Most of these owners were sentenced to heavy penalties, and their companies were seized by the state.
Algeria then introduced new regulations for automakers in November 2022 and reopened the market to imports of new vehicles after more than six years of complete closure.
In March 2023, Fiat made its return to Algeria, importing new vehicles. Simultaneously, the Italian brand, part of the Stellantis group, began construction of an assembly plant in Tafraoui, near Oran.
Inaugurated in December 2023, this factory assembles three models: the Fiat 500, Doblo utility van, and Doblo Panorama, with sales set to begin soon. A fourth model is planned for launch in 2025.
