In 1969, a vision sparked to life in Douvrin. Two automotive giants, Renault and Peugeot, joined forces. Their goal was ambitious: to build a state-of-the-art engine factory. This factory became the Stellantis Douvrin, a name now synonymous with automotive innovation. Stellantis Douvrin began its life as “Française de Mécanique.” The factory sprawls across a vast 148 hectares. This is a testament to its massive production capacity.
The first engine to roll off the assembly line at Stellantis Douvrin was the “X” engine in 1972. This engine powered iconic vehicles like the Peugeot 104 and Renault 14. Later, Stellantis Douvrin produced the V6 PRV engine, a collaborative effort between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. This powerful engine found its way into a range of cars, from the Renault 25 to the Peugeot 505. Another notable engine produced here was the “Douvrin” engine, used in models like the Renault 18 and Citroën CX.
The Stellantis Douvrin plant constantly evolved. It embraced new technologies and partnerships. In 1986, it launched the TU engine, featuring an aluminum block. A decade later, Stellantis Douvrin introduced the DV diesel engine, a joint project with Ford. This engine powered vehicles like the Peugeot 206, Citroën C3, and even the Toyota Aygo. Another key partnership saw Stellantis Douvrin collaborating with BMW on the “Prince” engine. This engine powered various Mini and BMW models.
Stellantis Douvrin also played a crucial role in the development of smaller, more efficient engines. In 2012, it launched the EB 1.2 L 3-cylinder turbo engine. This marked a shift towards more fuel-efficient technology. Stellantis Douvrin’s production prowess is impressive. At its peak, it produced over 1.6 million engines annually. This represented a significant portion of the global engine production. More recently, Stellantis Douvrin has embraced the electric future. It now hosts a gigafactory producing batteries for electric vehicles. This move solidifies Stellantis Douvrin’s position at the forefront of automotive advancement. From the iconic “X” engine to cutting-edge electric batteries, Stellantis Douvrin has consistently driven innovation in the automotive world.