Renault and Geely are preparing to expand their global partnership into Brazil, targeting one of the fastest-growing automotive markets.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the agreement, expected to be announced later this month, will allow Geely to sell its vehicles through Renault’s established retail network in Brazil and use Renault’s local manufacturing facilities.
This move builds on the existing collaboration between the French and Chinese automakers, which includes a joint venture for internal combustion engines and hybrid technologies, as well as a shared manufacturing facility in South Korea.
In Brazil, Geely plans to acquire a minority stake in Renault’s operations and utilize its Curitiba plant for vehicle assembly. The plant, operational since 1998, employs around 2,600 workers and currently produces cars and components for Renault’s internal combustion engine business.
The partnership will initially see Geely-branded vehicles imported from China and sold through Renault dealerships. Discussions also include potentially introducing Geely’s multi-energy platform at the Curitiba plant, enabling the production of gasoline-powered, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles.
This aligns with the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions in Brazil. For Renault, this agreement optimizes its Brazilian operations while reducing reliance on European markets.
Geely and Renault’s Strategic Partnership in Brazil
For Geely, it provides a strategic entry into South America amid intense competition in China and trade barriers in developed markets like the U.S. and EU.
Brazil represents a significant opportunity for automakers. In 2024, exports of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles from China to Brazil more than doubled to 152,000 units.
This made Brazil China’s fastest-growing market for such vehicles. This partnership allows both companies to tap into this growth while addressing global trade challenges.
By combining Renault’s local expertise with Geely’s technological innovation, this collaboration could reshape Brazil’s automotive sector. It may also offer valuable insights into emerging market strategies for global automakers.
