Thermal engines still matter. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

One of the more bizarre exercises in automotive branding occurred last year when Renault created HORSE.

It is a company that is based on designing, engineering and producing internal combustion engines (and, to be fair, hybrids, too).

You know, those things that generate horsepower.

HORSE is a stand-alone company based in Madrid that encompasses eight manufacturing operations with a production capacity of 3.2-million units per year.

Last year, when HORSE was announced, the CEO of the company, Patrice Haettel, said, “In 2040, combustion and hybrid vehicles will still account for more than 50% of global sales.”

Given what’s going on in the market right now, he’s undoubtedly right.

HORSE announced last week that it has signed its first contract with a company that is not affiliated with Renault.

It is HABAŞ , a company based in Türkiye. The company will start producing light commercial vehicles.

It is sourcing engines from HORSE. 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines.

According to HORSE the engine meets Euro 6d+e emissions regulations and can run on B10 diesel, so there’s that.

So. . .

There are large parts of the world where advanced thermal engines matter. Sure, there will be growth in EVs.

But diesel- and gas-powered powertrains aren’t going away any time soon.