Mobilize (marque)

(Redirected from Mobilize (automobile))

Mobilize is a business unit of the French car manufacturer Renault established in 2021 and it is mainly specialized in mobility-related services.[2] It focuses on subscription services, leasing, loans, data, and energy management, offering Mobilize-badged vehicles for car sharing and delivery services.[3]

Mobilize
Company typeBrand, Business unit
IndustryAutomotive
PredecessorRenault's financing and mobility services operations
FoundedJanuary 2021
Area served
Europe
Key people
Gianluca De Ficchy (CEO) [1]
ProductsCars
ServicesFinancing, car-related services
ParentRenault Group
Divisions
Websitewww.mobilize.com/en/

Mobilize is one of the four brands of the Renault Group, along with Renault, Dacia and Alpine.

Mobilize is available in France and Germany,[4] Spain,[5] United Kingdom, and Morocco.[6]

Based on the premise that purchasing vehicles is no longer the preferred option of drivers, Mobilize aims to focus its offer on rental and car-sharing.[7]

History

edit

The Mobilize business unit was created in January 2021 as part of a wider overhauling of Renault operations.[8] The new unit was set to develop car sharing and other niche businesses.[9] Mobilize was also aimed at meeting new mobility needs like car-sharing, last-mile delivery and on-demand transport.[8] Created as part of Luca de Meo’s Renaulution plan,[10] Mobilize specializes in mobility services:[11][12] energy services,[2] driving-related data analysis (like the identification of accident-prone areas, road analysis, traffic and pollution data etc…), financing and car manufacturing.[13]

In January 2021, the unit launched the Mobilize vehicle marque by presenting Mobilize EZ-1 Prototype, a car-sharing prototype quadricycle.[14] Later that year, Renault integrated its Zity electric car-sharing business into Mobilize, renaming it Zity by Mobilize.[15] The first marketed car was the subscription-only Mobilize Limo (a rebadged JMEV Yi from JMEV), introduced in the second half of 2022.[16][17] In May 2022, Renault's financial affiliate RCI Banque was made part of the unit, adopting the trade name Mobilize Financial Services.[18]

In October 2022, Mobilize announced Mobilize Fast Charge, its EV fast-charging network, with plans for 200 chargers, primarily at Renault dealerships near major roadways, by mid-2024.[19][20]

In July 2023, Mobilize Financial Services subsidiary, Mobilize Lease&co announced its acquisition of two German companies belonging to the MeinAuto Group, Mobility Concept and MeinAuto.[4]

In August 2023, Mobilize acquired shares in Select Car Leasing, a UK-based leasing company.[21][22][23]

Operations

edit

Mobilize provides cars for ride-sharing, taxi and delivery companies, while also offering car-related services (including subscriptions), financial services,[24] and charging services. The unit does not produce vehicles but it gets them from other entities.[25] The unit is divided into two major divisions: Mobilize Financial Services (car financing)[24] and Mobilize Beyond Automotive (other activities).[26]

List of services

edit
  • Zity by Mobilize: car sharing service in Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Milan.[27]
  • Bipi: car subscription service.[28]

Vehicles and services

edit

Vehicles

edit

In November 2023, Renault announced that the electric sedan, originally intended for cabs and VTCs, would not be marketed.[29]

 
Mobilize Bento at IAA Transportation 2024

On 10 October 2022, Mobilize presented a set of concepts alongside the production version of the Duo and Bento models.[30][31]

Mobilize Duo is regarded as the new Twizy.[32][33][34] This model is available in two versions, 45 and 80,[35] and it can carry two people.[36]

Mobilize Bento is the utility version of Mobilize Duo.[37] The launch of these two vehicles, Mobilize Bento and Mobilize Duo, is scheduled for 2024.[38]

Mobilize Solo Concept

edit

The idea for the Mobilize Solo came from Renault's design studio in India, starting from a skateboard with an umbrella, although the final concept is more like a chair in a cover. It measures 1,370 mm (54 in) long, 900 mm (35 in) wide and 1,750 mm (69 in) high. Inside there is room for one person in a semi-sitting position with a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

Mobilize Hippo

edit

Mobilize Hippo is a utility vehicle for last-mile delivery.[39] A prototype of Hippo was presented was first presented at the Viva Tech in 2021.[40]

Services

edit

Mobilize Power Solutions

edit

Formerly known as Elexent, Mobilize Power Solutions is the entity for electric recharging.[41] The service is available in 11 countries.[42]

Mobilize Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) Technology

edit

In June 2023, Mobilize announced its Powerbox bidirectional charging station as part of the launch of the new Renault 5 electric.[43] In 2024, the Renault 5 with Mobilize V2G technology will offer to save money by plugging in the car.[44] The two-way system will transform the electric city car into an energy supplier.[44]

With its V2G service, Mobilize functions as an energy supplier.[45] The Mobilize V2G service saves money on home recharging and on the overall electricity bill, it also allows the electricity to be sold on the market.[46]

Mobilize Fast Charge

edit

In Octobre 2022, Mobilize announced its plans for a European fast-charging network by 2024.[47]

Rental

edit

Mobilize specializes in flexible rental formulas.[7] À la carte rental is one of the options available.[7]

Mobilize Share

edit

Mobilize Share is Mobilize's car-sharing service, the first of its kind in france.[48][49]

Zity

edit

Zity is Mobilize's car-sharing subsidiary. In 2022, its sales amounted to 12 million euros.[50]

Data-processing

edit

Supported by Renault, Software Factory and other partners, Mobilize will also work to develop cutting-edge algorithms and data processing software for better forecasting of user demand and better vehicle dispatching.[51]

Financial services

edit

Mobilize Financial Services is Mobilize's unit devoted to financial services, which is already present worldwide. Among other things, it operates in partnership with Nissan.[52] In March 2023, Mitsubishi chose Renault as its sole provider of financing services.[53][54] Among the brands of Mobilize Financial Services, there is the long-term leasing service, Mobilize Lease&Co.[55]

References

edit
  1. ^ https://europe.autonews.com/move/renault-names-gianluca-de-ficchy-ceo-mobilize-division
  2. ^ a b "[Viva Technology] Mobilize se rêve en fournisseur d'électricité avec la future Renault 5". L'Usine Nouvelle.
  3. ^ "Møbilize, la nouvelle marque dédiée aux services de mobilité et d'énergie". media renault.
  4. ^ a b "Mobilize (Renault) rachète deux sociétés allemandes de leasing automobile". Le Figaro.
  5. ^ "Prix Renault Mobilize Espagne pour l'Inclusion et la Mobilité Durable". Le Petit Journal.
  6. ^ "Succédant à Vincent Hauville: Grégoire de Saint Lager nouveau PDG de Mobilize Financial Services Maroc". Aujourd'hui le Maroc.
  7. ^ a b c "Automobile. Avec Mobilize, Renault loue des utilitaires à la carte". Ouest France.
  8. ^ a b "Mobilize. Une nouvelle entité pour la mobilité chez Renault". L'Argus.
  9. ^ Attwood, James (14 January 2021). "Renault's transformation strategy will see 24 new vehicles by 2025". Autocar. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  10. ^ "RENAULT VA LANCER UNE NOUVELLE MARQUE : MOBILIZE". Auto Plus.
  11. ^ "Comment Mobilize doit aider Renault à conquérir le marché des services de mobilité". L'Usine Nouvelle.
  12. ^ "Mobilize, l'arme de Renault pour s'imposer dans le business incertain de la mobilité". La Tribune.
  13. ^ "QU'EST-CE QUE MOBILIZE, LA NOUVELLE MARQUE DE MOBILITÉ DU GROUPE RENAULT?". BFMTV.
  14. ^ Attwood, James (14 January 2021). "Renault launches Mobilize mobility brand with Twizy-style EZ-1". Autocar. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  15. ^ "Zity car-sharing to expand to Lyon in March". Electrive. 20 February 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  16. ^ Sigal, Peter (30 August 2021). "Renault's Mobilize unit will launch Chinese-built EV for ride-hailing and taxi services". Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  17. ^ Raja, Shrawan (15 February 2022). "8 things you should know about Groupe Renault's Mobilize Limo". ElectricVehicleWeb. ElectricVehicleWeb.com. Retrieved 2 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Renault's Mobilize targets fleets, mobility companies and last mile operators". Fleet Europe. 16 May 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  19. ^ Tyler, Tim (30 October 2022). "Mobilize Fast Charge: The New Ultrafast Charging Network In Europe". CleanTechnica. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  20. ^ "Mobilize Fast Charge: the new ultrafast charging network in Europe" (Press release). Mobilize. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Mobilize acquires share in Select Car Leasing". FleetNews.
  22. ^ "Mobilize Financial Services se renforce dans le leasing au Royaume-Uni". Journal Auto.
  23. ^ "Mobilize Financial Services buys stake in Select Car Leasing to launch Select Lease by Mobilize". Broker News.
  24. ^ a b "Le groupe Renault regroupe ses services financiers sous la marque Mobilize Financial Services". Auto Info.
  25. ^ Attwood, James (10 October 2022). "Mobilize: how Renault's new brand is out to disrupt the mobility market". MoveElectric. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  26. ^ Sigal, Peter (17 January 2023). "Renault names Gianluca De Ficchy CEO of Mobilize division". Automotive News Europe. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  27. ^ www.mobilize.com/en/wearemobilizers/zity-by-mobilize-a-model-of-carsharing-in-europe/
  28. ^ www.mobilize.fr/offres/abonnement.html
  29. ^ "Mobilize Limo : la berline électrique de Renault pour les taxis et VTC ne sera pas commercialisée". Challenges.
  30. ^ "Mobilize Duo: fun for city mobility". Media Mobilize.
  31. ^ "Mobilize Bento : l'héritier en mode utilitaire du Twizy est prêt". L'Automobile Magazine.
  32. ^ "Un ѕеgmеnt аutоmоbіlе еѕt ѕur lе роіnt dе соnnаîtrе un еѕѕоr". Money.bg.
  33. ^ "Renault Twizy : le mix entre moto et voiture sera supprimé". Vrum.
  34. ^ "Ces voitures qui vont disparaître du catalogue entre 2023 et 2025". L'Argus.
  35. ^ "Reloaded : la Citroën Ami ajoutera une version avec plus d'autonomie et de rapidité". 16valvulas.
  36. ^ "Renault revient à la micromobilité". Protothema.
  37. ^ "Renault Group déballe le Mobilize Bento 100 % Electric". auto-infos.
  38. ^ "Citroën Ami vs Mobilize Duo et Seat Minimo. Les microcars électriques des constructeurs". l'argus.
  39. ^ "Comment Mobilize-Renault développe Hippo, son utilitaire du futur". L'Agus.
  40. ^ "Renault Mobilize. Des autos partagées nommées Duo, Limo, Bento, Hippo". L'Argus.
  41. ^ "Elexent change de nom et devient Mobilize Power Solutions". journal auto.
  42. ^ "RENAULT : MOBILIZE POWER SOLUTIONS DÉPLOYÉ DANS 11 PAYS". BFM Bourse.
  43. ^ "[Viva Technology] Mobilize se rêve en fournisseur d'électricité avec la future Renault 5". Usine Nouvelle.
  44. ^ a b "Renault 5 (2024). Des recharges jusqu'à 50 % moins chères grâce à Mobilize V2G". L'Argus.
  45. ^ "[Viva Technology] Mobilize se rêve en fournisseur d'électricité avec la future Renault 5". L'Usine Nouvelle.
  46. ^ "Renault 5 (2024). Des recharges jusqu'à 50 % moins chères grâce à Mobilize V2G". L'argus.
  47. ^ "Mobilize Power Solutions va ouvrir 200 stations-service électriques en Europe". auto info.
  48. ^ "Mobilize donne naissance à son premier service d'autopartage en France". L'argus.
  49. ^ "Des voitures électriques en location partagée à Arcachon, une première nationale". sud ouest.
  50. ^ "Zity a passé la barre des 12 millions d'euros de facturation en 2022". journal auto.
  51. ^ "Mobilize, la nouvelle marque du Groupe Renault". avem.
  52. ^ "Recharge-Renault voit des synergies avec Nissan dans 11 pays". Les Echos.
  53. ^ "France : Mitsubishi rejoint Renault dans les solutions de financement". Les Echos.
  54. ^ "Recharge-Renault voit des synergies avec Nissan dans 11 pays". Les Echos.
  55. ^ "Renault Group accélère sur la location longue durée (LLD) avec Mobilize Lease&Co". auto infos.
edit