Revoz
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | June 1988 |
| Founder | Renault, Industrija Motornih Vozil |
| Headquarters | Novo Mesto , Slovenia |
Area served | Slovenia, Export markets |
| Products | Automobiles (Renault Clio, Renault Twingo, Mitsubishi Colt) |
| Owner | Renault |
| Parent | Renault |
Revoz () is a Slovenian automobile manufacturer headquartered in Novo Mesto and operates as a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault. It holds the distinction of being Slovenia's sole vehicle producer and ranks among the country's top exporters.[1] Established in June 1988 through a joint venture between Renault and Industrija Motornih Vozil, it became fully owned by Renault in 2004.[2]
Initial Renault Assembly Agreement with Litostroj
Renault’s initial assembly arrangement in Slovenia was secured in 1969 with Ljubljana-based company Litostroj. Under licence, Litostroj manufactured the Renault 4, locally known as "Katrca," which became the most widely produced Renault model within Slovenia. The firm also supplied transmissions for vehicles assembled in France. This collaboration concluded in 1972.
Industrija Motornih Vozil
During the mid-1950s, Slovenian firm Agroservis collaborated with Auto Union to establish a factory assembling DKW models under the Moto Montaža name. In 1959, this operation was renamed Industrija motornih vozil (IMV). Between 1963 and 1972, IMV assembled vehicles from the British Motor Corporation, specifically Austin models. Beginning in 1973, IMV partnered with Renault to primarily produce the Renault 4, alongside models such as the 12, 16, and 18. By 1976, IMV had become Yugoslavia’s second-largest car manufacturer after Zastava, with annual production ranging from 26,000 to 49,000 units between 1977 and 1990. Nevertheless, significant investments made in 1978 brought the company close to bankruptcy. IMV also locally assembled the Renault 9.
1988–present
In 1988, Renault, initially a minority investor, and IMV established a joint venture named Revoz. By the early 1990s, Revoz emerged as one of Slovenia’s leading exporters (accounting for over 5% of national exports) and employers (with a workforce exceeding 2,000). The company originally produced both the Renault 5 and Renault 4, with Revoz being the final manufacturing site for these models. In 1991, Renault increased its shareholding to 54%, becoming the principal owner. Renault’s investment was initially intended to serve the large Yugoslav market; however, following Yugoslavia’s dissolution, Revoz shifted focus towards exports. Since 1993, Revoz has been assembling the Renault Clio and managed operations in Serbia until a dedicated Renault subsidiary was established there.
In December 2001, Renault further increased its ownership stake to 66.68%. The following year, Revoz’s commercial division separated to form Renault Nissan Slovenia d.o.o., tasked with handling sales activities. By 2004, Revoz became entirely owned by Renault. Between 2010 and 2013, it also produced the Renault Wind.
Effects of the European Economic Crisis
At the start of 2012, weakening demand across Europe compelled Revoz to halt its night shift and reduce staff numbers while negotiating shorter working hours with labor unions. Production levels stabilized by January 2013 as new models from Renault and Daimler contributed to improved output. The initial outcome of the Renault-Daimler partnership was the third-generation Renault Twingo, which entered production in May 2014, followed by Daimler’s second-generation Smart Forfour in autumn that year; both vehicles share numerous components.
By 2022, production of the Smart Forfour ceased, resulting in increased unused capacity amid ongoing challenges such as disruptions caused by COVID-19, semiconductor shortages, and declining demand for compact cars in Western Europe. As a result, Revoz reduced its workforce during 2021 and 2022, operating only a single shift for Clio and Twingo manufacturing.
Novo Mesto factory
Located in Novo Mesto, the Revoz manufacturing plant covers an area of 584,000 square meters. It has been assembling the Clio since 1993 and began producing the Twingo in April 2007. The site is equipped with departments dedicated to Sheet Metal Forming, Painting, and Vehicle Assembly. In 2010, the factory's output totaled 212,680 units.
Former models
- Renault Wind
- Renault Twingo
- Renault Twingo Sport
- Renault Clio Storia
- Smart Forfour
- Renault Clio 4 (produced until 2019)
- Smart EQ Forfour (manufactured until 2022)
Current models
- Renault Clio 5 (in production since 2019)
- Mitsubishi Colt (introduced in 2023)
- Renault Twingo
- Renault Twingo Electric