A Retro Line but a Futuristic Paint on the Renault 4

This page is translated from the original post "Une ligne rétro mais une peinture futuriste sur la Renault 4" in French.

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Renault 4

The Renault 4 E-Tech Electric debuts the Jetprint Paint at Maubeuge, a revolutionary two-tone painting process.

In 2025, the Maubeuge manufacturing plant, a historic site producing Renault Kangoo since 1997, marks a significant milestone with the launch of the Renault 4 E-Tech, a 100% electric vehicle. This resurrected model is accompanied by a major innovation: the Jetprint Paint, a groundbreaking two-tone painting application process. Integrated into the production line, this system reduces energy consumption and CO2 emissions while delivering a high-quality finish.

The Renault 4 E-Tech features a dedicated Jetprint Paint cabin, equipped with two robots that paint the roof and hood in just six minutes. This technology ensures a sharp demarcation between the two colors, enhancing the vehicle’s premium aesthetic. Unlike traditional methods, which involved a second painting step, time-consuming manual masking, and protective materials generating waste, Jetprint Paint simplifies the process. It eliminates the need for tarps, tape, and a second drying stage, thereby reducing waste and optimizing productivity.

Fast and Eco-friendly

Environmentally, this process saves 1.7 GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of 350 households, and reduces CO2 emissions by 331 tons per year. Inspired by printing technology, it uses a precise paint jet, ranging from 1 to 50 mm, directed by pressure and gravity. This precision allows for waste-free application, with a 100% yield.

The integration of Jetprint Paint presented a challenge for Renault Maubeuge teams. It required a new cabin, new painting equipment, and operator training—an unprecedented move for a mainstream manufacturer. This launch, synchronized with the production of the site’s first electric passenger vehicle, demanded meticulous planning to be operational before market release.

Beyond two-tone, Jetprint Paint opens promising prospects, such as customization for customers or corporate fleets. This innovation, combining durability and quality, could transform the future of automotive painting.

READ ALSO: Recreating a Renault 4L in the 21st Century: An Impossible Challenge?

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