Truck/automotive firms invest in France

Encouraged by an impressive network of specialised R and D centres, leading truck manufacturing and automotive supply companies are continuing to make big investments in France.

The world's leading truck manufacturing and automotive supply companies are continuing to make big investments in France in order to take advantage of its vast network of specialised research centres, said the Invest in France Agency.

These companies also seek to gain access to key partners and clients already in the area.

"France's central location and its known automotive expertise - French companies PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault are world leaders in the industry - are important draws for international investors," said Philippe Favre, president of the Invest in France Agency.

A major investment of EUR 57 million is being made into Renault Trucks, which runs the Swedish Volvo Group's truck-cab production facility in Calvados (in north-western France).

Spread over three years, the investment will help increase cab production capacity and allow Renault Trucks to switch over to environmentally friendly water-based paints.

The changes at the plant are expected to be completed by 2009.

Another industry giant, General Motors of the USA, is also expanding its business in France by leasing a new 27,400m2 distribution centre in Paris to enhance the logistics process of its Opel spare-parts operations.

Two top German automotive parts manufacturing companies have also chosen France.

Reichhart Logistik has set up in the north of France at the start of 2007, where it is investing EUR 2 million to assemble and weld exhaust lines.

Pierburg - a subsidiary of Kolbenschmidt Pierburg AG - is investing nearly EUR 6 million to start new water-pump production lines in its factory in Moselle (in eastern France).

Invest in France Agency also told manufacturingtalk.com that France, with its expertise in diesel engines, electric vehicles, automotive electronics, materials and surface coatings, is attracting international investors .

Many innovative project partnerships involving non-French companies are being launched within the nation's dedicated competitive clusters, including the following.

* Mov'eo (the international cluster for automobiles, public transport and road safety).

* Vehicules du futur (vehicles of the future).

* Automobile de haute gamme (luxury vehicles and on-board systems).

* Lyon Urban Truck and Bus 2015 (urban transport).

* Mobilite et transports avances (mobility and advanced transport).

* Viameca (automotive mechanics).

** About Invest in France - Invest in France Agency (IFA) promotes and facilitates international investment in France.

The IFA network operates worldwide, with offices in France, as well as in North America, Asia and Europe.

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