Renault strengthens cooperation with Geely in Brazil, continues to explore cooperation with Chery and other OEMs
Renault Group confirmed on November 3 that it has “executed definitive agreements” with China-based automotive manufacturer Geely, extending the two companies’ “strategic cooperation” in Brazil. Meanwhile, reports claim the company is in talks with Chery and other automakers over similar partnerships.
Renault Group confirmed that Geely has acquired a 26.4% stake in Renault do BrasilRenault Group
Under these agreements, Geely formally acquired a 26.4%
stake in Renault do Brasil, with Renault Group remaining the majority
shareholder and “continuing to consolidate the entity in its accounts”.
By obtaining this stake in the company, Geely has secured access
to Renault do Brasil's industrial and commercial resources. This, Renault has
said, will allow Geely to accelerate its expansion in the South American
automotive market.
“The partnership we are announcing today with Geely in
Brazil marks a decisive step forward in our international strategy,” said François
Provost, Renault Group CEO. “It establishes an agile cooperation founded on
industrial excellence and technological leadership. Once again, combining our
strengths will make us more competitive, more innovative, and more responsive
in a fast-evolving automotive market.”
This partnership will see the production of Geely branded
vehicles alongside Renault vehicles at Renault's Ayrton Senna plant in São José
dos Pinhais, Brazil. According to Renault, this will enable Renault do Brasil
to “increase production and further sharpen the competitiveness” of the
industrial complex.
As part of the deal, Geely can now produce vehicles at Renault's Ayrton Senna plant in São José dos Pinhais, BrazilRenault Group
Renault do Brasil will distribute Geely's portfolio of low-
and zero-emission vehicles in Brazil. Through their cooperation, the two automakers
hope to “enhance their presence in Brazil and accelerate the development of
their respective brands in a key market accounting for more than 40% of vehicle
registrations in Latin America in H1 2025”.
“Our continued cooperation with Renault in exploring new
markets and new opportunities will make for a win-win scenario as both Renault
and Geely are able to leverage technology scales on a global level to bring the
best products to market,” commented Eric Li, chairman of Geely Holding Group.
According to reports, Renault is in talks with other automakers – including Chinese OEM Chery – to jointly produce and sell cars. Speaking about the Geely deal, Fabrice Cambolive, Renault Group's chief growth officer, is quoted as saying: "This type of partnership is clearly a winning one because we are expanding access to different platforms, industrial tools, engineering and a distribution network."
Growth in international markets has been a key focus for
Renault this year, as it creates regional hubs to “meet the needs of the local
market while serving as a regional export platform”.
This prioritisation of growth in the region was touched on
during Renault Group’s earnings call for H1 2025, in which South America was
described as “the obvious priority” for international expansion because of the
company’s existing presence there.
"This addition strengthens our logistics capabilities
across the Americas and supports our strategic growth in the region," a
Renault spokesperson told Automotive Logistics. "The establishment
of the ILN in Mexico further facilitates and streamlines the export of parts to
our operations throughout Latin America, enhancing efficiency and
responsiveness to market needs."