Renault Korea President: "The Grand Koleos, a New Alternative in the Mid-Size SUV Market"

Interview with St?phane Deblaise, President of Renault Korea
Unveiling of 'Grand Koleos' at Busan Mobility Show
"The new Renault has returned" Brand Revamp
First new car in 4 years... Targeting domestic mid-size SUV market
Direct competition with Santa Fe and Sorento HEV

"In the Korean market, the Grand Koleos will become a new alternative in the mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment."

On the 27th, Renault Korea CEO Stephan Deblaize said this in an interview following the new car launch event held at the Busan Mobility Show. CEO Deblaize emphasized, "Because the Korean market is sizable, we can differentiate ourselves in a completely different direction in the mid-size (D-segment) SUV segment."

On this day, Renault Korea unveiled the mid-size hybrid SUV Grand Koleos, scheduled to be launched in the domestic market in the second half of this year. The domestic D-segment market is dominated by Hyundai's Santa Fe and Kia's Sorento, with Hyundai and Kia holding an overwhelming share especially in the hybrid SUV segment. Renault Korea's strategy is to present consumers with a new alternative by introducing a new car that can compete with these models.

Stefan Deblaes, President of Renault Korea, is giving an interview after the new car launch event held at the Busan Mobility Show on the 27th.
[Photo by Renault Korea]

Renault Korea's differentiation factor starts with a new version of the E-Tech hybrid system. It is equipped with a hybrid system that delivers a total output of 245 horsepower, the most powerful among models in the same class, and can drive in electric mode up to 75% of the time in urban areas at speeds below 40 km/h.

Another point of differentiation is the infotainment system. CEO Deblaize said, "We collaborated with Korean startups, Naver, and Tmap," adding, "Also, it is equipped with three screens that cannot be found in competitors' vehicles: two for the driver and one for the passenger."

Furthermore, CEO Deblaize emphasized that the Grand Koleos is a car made in Korea, for Korea. As an engineer, he explained, "The part we paid the most attention to in this car is the sound-absorbing material installation," and added, "Korean consumers prefer quietness in cars, and through this, they feel a high-end sensibility."

Stephan Deleuze, President of Renault Korea, is taking a commemorative photo in front of the new Grand Koleos.
[Photo by Renault Korea]

Over the past four years, Renault Korea has faced difficulties in the domestic market due to the absence of new cars. In 2022, the brand removed 'Samsung' from its name, and this year changed its company name to Renault Korea and updated its emblem. All these processes were preparations for Renault Group's next-generation eco-friendly car development project, 'Aurora.' The Grand Koleos is the first new car signaling the start of the Aurora project. CEO Deblaize said, "We are continuously working on evolving the brand, and the part we focus on first is value, not volume," adding, "You can see this new car launch as the return of the new Renault."

He also revealed plans to sell Renault Group's compact electric vehicle 'Scenic' in the domestic market starting in 2025 and to export the Grand Koleos made at the Busan plant. He said, "We plan to import the electric vehicle that we think fits the Korean market best," and added, "We will make the Busan plant the Renault Group's production hub for D and E segment vehicles."