(ECO) RENAULT TO BUILD FLUENCE ELECTRIC VERSION IN TURKEY PLANT.

ISTANBUL, Nov 14, 2009 (TUR) -- French carmaker Renault announced on Friday it would build electric version of its Fluence saloon car in Turkey plant starting in the first half of 2011.

Renault first introduced its Fluence Z.E. concept electric version at Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

Earlier in August, French carmaker had said the all new gasoline-engine Fluence would replace Megane II Sedan manufacturing at the existing assembly line of Oyak Renault plant, a joint venture of Renault and Turkey's Oyak.

Renault said it would make an additional investment of 110 million Euro in Oyak Renault plant in Bursa for Fluence model which is planned to be shipped to more than 80 countries.

Patrick Pelata, chief operating executive of Renault, said that part of new Megane hatchback manufacturing would also be shifted to Bursa plant.

Renault has been operating in Turkey for 40 years. Oyak Renault plant has built 15 different models so far, mostly in mid-size compact cars, Pelata said.

(T-A)

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