The Car That Popularized Buruma, Electric Model Coming to Korea... A Look at Renault's New Lineup

Renault Chief Marketing Officer "Scenic and R5 to Launch in Korea"
Domestic Production of Compact and Subcompact Hybrid SUVs, Year-End and Next Year

Renault has decided to launch the battery electric vehicle Renault 5 (R5), which was unveiled last February, in the domestic market and has begun coordinating the detailed schedule. The initial model released in the 1970s was a compact hatchback that gained worldwide popularity and symbolized the Renault brand. It was discontinued in the 1990s but has been revived as an electrified model, with a global launch planned for the end of this year.

Stefan Deblaise, President of Renault Korea, said at a briefing on the 3rd, "This year, we will release a D-segment (mid-size) sports utility vehicle (SUV), and next year a C-segment (small or compact) SUV, followed by plans to import a very famous and stylish vehicle from the Renault brand." Industry insiders believe that among the imported models, the Renault 5 unveiled by Renault earlier this year is highly likely.

The Renault R5 E-Tech Electric, first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February this year, has been confirmed for domestic release as a pure electric vehicle.
[Photo by Yonhap News, AFP]

The Renault 5 was one of the company's best-selling models at the time of its sale. Renault introduced the new car under the name Renault 5 E-Tech Electric at the Geneva Motor Show held last February. It clearly emphasized that it is the successor to the previously popular car. In the 1990s, the Renault 5 Turbo model was the car driven by Bulma, the female lead, when she first met Son Goku in the popular Japanese manga Dragon Ball.

Following the decision to launch the new Scenic domestically next year, the battery electric vehicles that Renault plans to sell in Korea, including the new Renault 5, will be imported models. In addition, a mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) hybrid model will be launched in the second half of this year. This model is developed domestically using a Volvo platform. It is the result of the Aurora Project 1, a new car development plan.

The Aurora Project 2, scheduled for release next year, is a small to compact SUV hybrid model. At the briefing, President Deblaise said, "We also plan to import and sell commercial vehicles (LCVs) that have high demand in Korea," adding, "Since Renault Korea is part of the Renault Group, we can utilize various assets."

Renault's all-electric Scenic released last year
[Photo by Yonhap News, AP]

Renault did not specifically mention which commercial model it will import or the exact launch timing. However, industry insiders believe it is highly likely to be the Renault Master van, which was imported and sold in the past. It has consistently been sought after for business use such as transportation or as a camper van.

Renault Korea announced that it will use the diamond-shaped (lozenge) emblem used by Renault headquarters instead of the emblem used since the Samsung Motors era. It will be applied first to SUV models, and new cars to be released in the future will use the new emblem. The sedan SM6 will retain its existing name and emblem, as President Deblaise explained that there are no plans for further development of the SM6.

At the 'Renault Nouvelle Vague' meeting held on the 3rd at Renault Seongsu, St?phane Deblaise, President of Renault Korea, is making a presentation.
[Photo by Renault Korea]