Renault Expands Into NFT Space with Exclusive RACING SHOE5 Sneaker Collection

French carmaker Renault is launching an exclusive non-fungible token (NFT) collection called RACING SHOE5, which features 960 pairs of limited-edition sneakers available for sale starting May 15. This is the second NFT collection of Renault’s new NFT platform, R3NLT. At the end of 2022, the brand released its first genR5 NFT drop to mark the 50th anniversary of Renault 5.

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The RACING SHOE5 collection, which was first announced on April 21, debuts with 960 exclusive sneakers, each linked to a blockchain-based NFT featuring a 3D artwork. Owning an NFT will grant holders access to an exclusive gathering with brand designers at Renault's Research and Development Center and a customizable merchandising collection.

The series comes with five unique styles, each inspired by a different R5 turbo model, and a sixth design honoring the R5 Turbo 3E, developed in collaboration with the R3NLT Web3 community.

The project team explained, “The RACING SHOE5 collection gives Renault enthusiasts an innovative new way to engage with their favorite auto company."
"Renault’s second NFT drop is a unique opportunity for brand fans to get their hands on an exclusive pair of custom-designed sneakers and enjoy an immersive, 3D experience.”
The sneakers are crafted from environmentally friendly materials, including Leather Working Group (LWG) certified leather. Each pair, along with its associated NFTs, will be priced at €265. R3NLT Web3 community fans and members can access the drop starting May 15.

Pre-registered individuals will gain access on May 16, followed by the public sale on May 17, available on the nft.renault.com website.

The collection features design elements from the renowned R5 Turbo series that are seamlessly integrated into each sneaker. For example, the rear slope is inspired by the car’s chassis, and the interior mimics its upholstery. Also, the laces resemble seatbelts.

Pushing innovation further, Renault embeds an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip in the shoe's tongue, which, when scanned, retrieves a second NFT – the “digital passport" serving as a certificate of authenticity. The digital passport incorporates the shoe's unique identity card and provides information on its composition, materials, and production background.

R3NLT is about to offer an immersive shopping experience for those who plan to acquire a pair of RACING SHOE5 sneakers. The sale of the collection will take place in a metaverse-like virtual world.

Renault Launches Electric R5 Car In 2024

The genR5 and RACING SHOE5 NFT collections are meant to draw a line between past, present and future, connecting the company’s popular R5 model launched in 1972 with the upcoming new generation R5, an electric vehicle set for launch next year.

After selling over 8 million units between 1972 and 1996, Renault is reviving the iconic nameplate, this time powered by batteries. The company has recently unveiled the concept car, whose design features multiple references to different versions of the original 5 model.
https://www.renault.co.uk/concept-cars/renault-5-electric.html

Renault design chief Gilles Vidal said:
“The design of the Renault 5 Prototype is based on the R5, a cult model of our heritage. This prototype simply embodies modernity, a vehicle relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive.”
The NFT collections and the R3NLT platform align with Renault’s Renaulution strategic plan revealed in 2021. The plan is meant to shift the company’s focus from volume to value and has three key phases: resurrection, renovation, and revolution.

Under Renaulution, the French automaker is working on a rebalanced and more profitable portfolio, with 24 launched scheduled by 2025, 10 of each being full EVs.

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About Renault

Renault, founded in 1898, is a storied mobility brand and a pioneer in electric vehicles across Europe that has consistently developed cutting-edge vehicles throughout its history. With the launch of the 'Renaulution' strategic plan, Renault is embarking on an ambitious transformation to generate value while focusing on a more competitive, balanced, and electrified product lineup.
The company aspires to represent modernity and innovation in technology, energy, and mobility services within the automotive industry and beyond, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Renault's extensive product lineup spans from compact city cars to versatile commercial vehicles, meeting the diverse needs of customers across the globe. With a focus on design, efficiency, and advanced features, Renault continues to raise the bar for excellence in the automotive world.