Alpine has postponed its US launch following the country’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on cars imported into the country as well as growing uncertainty over EV take-up.
Renault chief financial officer Duncan Minto told analysts on the company’s earnings call today that it has halted planning for the roll-out. “Considering what's going on in the US at the moment, I don't think it's the right time to be spending on those studies,” he said.
The US was key to Renault’s future expansion plans for its premium brand, which it hoped would be selling 150,000 models a year by 2030.
Alpine has already launched the A290, a sporty version of the new electric Renault 5, and it will reveal the new A390 Porsche Macan rival on 27 May.
Alongside the electric A110 and raked A310, Alpine is also planning to develop a larger Porsche Cayenne rival, expected in 2027/28, as well as a further two E-segment models due before the end of the decade. While designed with global appeal, the trio – along with the A390 – were part of the brand's plan to break into the American market, which favours larger vehicles.
Renault is relatively insulated from the US trade upheaval because it currently doesn’t operate in the market, but postponing Alpine’s US launch will restrict the growth of a key pillar of the company, namely to increase margins and target larger-model categories.
Alpine doubled its registrations in the first quarter of the year to more than 2000 as the A290 joined the A110 sports car.
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