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 to produce EVs in Busan from 2028
Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paris speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Renault Korea
By Lee Min-hyung
Carmaker set to launch 1st software-defined vehicle next year
Renault Korea will begin production of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) at its Busan plant starting in 2028, marking a central pillar of the automaker’s mid-term strategy to adapt to the accelerating shift toward electrification, its CEO said Tuesday.
As part of its broader product road map, the company also pledged to introduce one new model annually through 2029, aiming to strengthen its foothold in the Korean market with a more diversified lineup.
In 2027, Renault Korea plans to debut its first software-defined vehicle (SDV), equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
“We need to catch up on electrification for our brand in Korea, and our first fully electrified model will be produced in Busan from 2028,” CEO Nicolas Paris said during his first press conference since beginning his role in September 2025.
“Renault Korea is also running toward our group-wide goal of reaching 50 percent in hybrid cars and 50 percent in EVs by 2030.”
In recent years, Renault Korea has focused on reviving its sales through strategic model launches. The Grand Koleos SUV marked the company’s first major initiative under this strategy, contributing significantly to its earnings recovery. Since its launch in September 2024, the model has recorded sales exceeding 50,000 vehicles within its first year.
Building on this momentum, the company last month introduced its second key hybrid model, the Filante crossover, with the goal of sustaining the success of the Grand Koleos.
Renault Korea CEO Nicolas Paris introduces the carmaker's mid-term growth strategy during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Renault Korea
Since becoming CEO, Paris has been tasked with steering the company’s transition toward electrification while simultaneously expanding its hybrid portfolio.
Renault Korea plans to equip its upcoming SDVs with Level 2++ autonomous driving capabilities, alongside a suite of AI-powered features designed to position the vehicle as an “intelligent partner” for drivers, the carmaker said.
The company also intends to accelerate its evolution into an AI-driven mobility provider by strengthening technological collaborations with Korean partners.
Regarding EV production, Paris emphasized that securing a stable and localized battery supply chain will be a top priority.
He also praised Korean consumers for their high level of technological sophistication and sensitivity to design trends, expressing confidence in the market’s unique characteristics.
On a mid- to long-term basis, Renault Korea will position its Busan factory as a key production and export hub for its D- and E-segment vehicles.
“What impressed me most upon arriving in Korea was the consumers’ keen awareness of advanced technology and contemporary design,” Paris said. “This distinct market environment reinforces our focus on delivering D- and E-segment vehicles with an optimal balance of innovation and sophistication.”