Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Renault Korea bolsters hybrid portfolio with Grand Koleos, Arkana
Renault Korea's flagship Grand Koleos SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
By Lee Min-hyung
Renault Korea is on track to strengthen its brand identity as one of the nation’s most reliable hybrid carmakers, establishing the powertrain as the firm’s key growth pillar.
According to data from the carmaker, it sold a total of 4,767 hybrid cars in October, accounting for 66.2 percent out of its total vehicle sales during the same period.
This was enabled by solid sales of the carmaker’s flagship Grand Koleos SUV and Arkana compact SUV.
The Grand Koleos mid-size SUV has been a major cash cow for the automaker since its launch in September 2024. The vehicle revived the automaker's business here, with its accumulated sales reaching 51,550 by the end of last month.
In October, the Grand Koleos E-Tech hybrid model accounted for 87.9 percent of the vehicle’s total sales, underscoring the quality and popularity of the carmaker’s hybrid powertrain, the company said.
Renault Korea’s hybrid cars come with a number of benefits in terms of its soft driving performance and high fuel efficiency. The vehicle exudes an output of 245 horsepower and certified fuel efficiency of 15.7 kilometers per liter, which the carmaker said highlights the core feature of hybrid cars.
Renault Korea's Arkana compact SUV / Courtesy of Renault Korea
Renault Korea is also extending its winning streak in the compact hybrid SUV market with the Arkana. The vehicle’s commercial value remains strong with decent fuel efficiency of 17.4 kilometers per liter, powered by its dual motor system.
“Our sales data in October showed that customers’ demand for Renault Korea’s hybrid cars is getting stronger,” an official from the carmaker said.
“Renault Korea has made its presence felt in the mid-size SUV market with the Grand Koleos hybrids. The carmaker has also gradually absorbed demand for compact SUVs with the Arkana due to the vehicle’s reasonable price and highly efficient hybrid system.”
The solid sales performance of the two models is helping Renault Korea solidify its brand identity as a company specializing in producing hybrid cars, it said.
Renault Korea plans to further increase its sales growth with the upcoming launch of the so-called Aurora 2 project next year. The Aurora 2 will be a coupe-type SUV and is widely expected to be available with the carmaker’s much-touted hybrid powertrain.