Douai

At its factory in Douai, in northeastern France, an army of spark-spitting robots weld sections of steel to form car bodies, while on the main assembly line, automated systems mate together bodyshells, doors, batteries, motors and other parts, before human workers apply the finishing touches.

"Our target was to be able to produce affordable electric cars here to sell in Europe," explains Pierre Andrieux, director of the Douai plant, arguing that automated processes "will enable us to do that profitably".

Its latest model, the Renault 5 E-tech, built in Douai, borrows its name from one of the company's most famous products.

"Renault ElectriCity" pools three of the group's plants in northern France, Douai, Ruitz and Maubeuge.

"My employer agrees that I strike for fractions of a few hours... I was working before and will be working after," said Sylvie Lariviere, a social worker who joined protests in the streets of Douai in the north.