Renault Korea
A South Korean vehicle manufacturer and Renault Group subsidiary formerly known as Renault Samsung Motors.
Last updated October 30, 2026
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Overview
Renault Korea is a South Korean automobile manufacturer controlled by Renault Group. The company operates its principal assembly plant in Busan, with administration in Seoul, research and development activities in Giheung, and vehicle-testing capabilities in Daegu. Its roots lie in Samsung Motors, a vehicle project created by Samsung Group during the 1990s with technical support from Nissan. The company began selling vehicles in 1998, shortly before the Asian financial crisis placed severe pressure on Korean businesses and led Samsung to sell or restructure several non-core operations. Renault acquired a controlling interest in Samsung Motors in 2000 and renamed the business Renault Samsung Motors. Samsung retained a minority stake and the company continued to use the Samsung name and its distinctive eye-of-the-typhoon badge in South Korea for many years. The Busan plant became the core of the business, producing vehicles for the Korean market and, increasingly, for export. Early Renault Samsung products included the SM5 sedan, followed by the SM3, SM7 and QM5 crossover. The business initially relied heavily on Nissan-derived engineering, but its products gradually shifted toward Renault platforms and global Renault programmes. During the 2010s, Renault Samsung faced increasing pressure from Hyundai and Kia, which dominated the South Korean market. Falling sales resulted in workforce reductions, production adjustments and efforts to secure additional export work. A major manufacturing programme involved assembling Nissan Rogue vehicles at Busan for export, helping the plant maintain volume. The company also expanded into crossovers and electric vehicles, including the QM3, SM6, QM6, SM3 Z.E., Twizy and Zoe. By the middle of the decade, cumulative domestic sales since Renault's acquisition had reached approximately 1.5 million vehicles, although the product range later contracted as sedan demand weakened. The company progressively separated itself from the Samsung automotive identity. In 2020 it indicated that it would not renew the Samsung trademark agreement, while a transitional grace period allowed continued use of the name. In March 2022 it adopted Renault Korea Motors as its trade name, followed by a legal-name change later that year. In April 2024, it adopted the current Renault Korea name and moved most locally marketed vehicles to the Renault marque and diamond badge; the SM6 was an exception during the transition. Renault Korea's ownership structure also changed during this period. Renault remained the controlling shareholder, while Geely acquired a minority position through a capital increase completed in 2022. The transaction formed part of a broader Renault–Geely partnership involving vehicle development and production based on Geely's Compact Modular Architecture. The partnership led to the Renault Grand Koleos, introduced in 2024 and based heavily on the Geely Xingyue L/Monjaro architecture. Renault Korea therefore combines local manufacturing and engineering capabilities with Renault's global brand and Geely's platform technology. Its current strategic emphasis is on Renault-branded crossovers, electrified vehicles, regional exports and renewed utilization of the Busan facility.
History
Renault Korea originated in Samsung Group's attempt to establish an automobile business. Samsung Motors was created in 1994, incorporated in 1995 and supported technically by Nissan. Construction of the Busan manufacturing facility began in 1995, and the company started selling vehicles in 1998. The timing was difficult: the Asian financial crisis struck South Korea soon after the launch, forcing Samsung to reconsider its automotive ambitions and seek a buyer. After negotiations that began in late 1998, Renault purchased a 70 percent interest in September 2000 for approximately US$560 million. The business became Renault Samsung Motors, while Samsung retained a minority interest and licensed its name and branding. The Busan plant became the company's primary industrial base. Early products were closely associated with Nissan engineering, particularly the SM5, but Renault Samsung gradually transitioned toward Renault-based platforms and became part of Renault's export and regional manufacturing network. The company expanded its range with the SM3 in 2002, SM7 in 2004 and QM5 in 2007. Renault increased its shareholding in 2005, and the Samsung trademark continued to be used under a renewed agreement reached in 2009. Renault Samsung also sold vehicles outside Korea, although export markets increasingly used Renault branding rather than the local Samsung marque. During the 2010s, competition from Hyundai and Kia, combined with changing consumer preferences, weakened the company's domestic performance. Management implemented workforce reductions and sought additional production assignments. A major programme to assemble Nissan Rogue vehicles for export helped maintain factory utilization. The company also repositioned its portfolio toward crossovers, launching the QM3 in 2013, the SM6 in 2016 and the QM6 in 2016. Sedan production was later reduced, with the SM5, SM3 and SM7 discontinued between 2019 and early 2020 as the business concentrated on crossover products. Electrification became another part of the company's development. Renault Samsung introduced the SM3 Z.E. in 2012 and began assembling it in Busan in 2013. It later marketed the Twizy and imported Zoe. The company also announced plans for an electric light commercial vehicle and developed facilities able to support electric, connected and autonomous vehicle testing. Its Giheung engineering centre evolved from the Samsung Motors Technical Centre into a major Renault engineering operation, and its design activities were placed under Renault Design Asia. The Samsung identity was gradually phased out. In 2020 the company decided not to renew the Samsung trademark agreement, although transitional provisions permitted continued use for a limited period. In March 2022 the trade name became Renault Korea Motors, and the legal-name change followed in August. The same year, Geely acquired a minority interest through a capital increase connected with a broader Renault–Geely cooperation agreement. Renault retained majority ownership and continued to consolidate the company. In April 2024, the business adopted the Renault Korea name and moved most products to Renault's global diamond branding. The transition marked the end of the company's principal use of the Samsung automotive marque, with the SM6 temporarily retaining its historic identity. The Renault Grand Koleos, introduced in June 2024, represented the first major product outcome of the Renault–Geely platform partnership. Renault Korea now combines South Korean manufacturing and engineering with Renault's international product strategy and Geely-supported vehicle architecture.
- 2024
Renault Korea name adopted
[1]The company completed its transition from Renault Samsung branding to Renault Korea and Renault marque branding, unifying most products under Renault branding.
- 2024
Grand Koleos introduced
[1]Renault Korea introduced the Grand Koleos, developed using Geely's Compact Modular Architecture.
- 2024
Renault Korea identity introduced
[1]The company adopts Renault Korea as its legal and trade name and unifies most products under Renault branding.
- 2022
Geely becomes minority shareholder
[1]Geely acquired a minority interest through a capital increase connected to a strategic partnership with Renault.
- 2022
Renault Korea Motors name adopted and Geely investment completed
[1]The company dropped Samsung from its trade identity and began operating as Renault Korea Motors, while Geely obtained a minority stake through a capital increase linked to a platform and product partnership with Renault.
- 2020
XM3 launched
[1]The XM3 crossover entered the market as the product mix shifted toward SUVs and crossovers, becoming a central product in the company's move away from traditional sedans.
- 2016
SM6 and QM6 launched
[1]The company introduced the SM6 sedan, a locally adapted Renault Talisman-related mid-size sedan, and the QM6 crossover for the South Korean market.
- 2016
SM6 launches
[1]The SM6 enters the Korean market as a locally adapted Renault Talisman-related mid-size sedan.
- 2013
Solar installation completed
[1]A 20 MW solar-energy project was completed at the Busan manufacturing site.
- 2012
SM3 Z.E. introduced
[1]Renault Samsung introduces an electric version of the SM3, initially imported and later assembled in Busan.
Products and positioning
A locally engineered and manufactured Renault automotive brand serving South Korea, combining Renault design and technology with Korean production and regional development capabilities. Mass-market automobile manufacturer combining Renault global products, Korean engineering and local manufacturing, with increasing emphasis on crossover vehicles, electric mobility and Asian export opportunities. A locally engineered and manufactured Renault automotive brand serving South Korea, combining Renault design and technology with Korean production and regional development capabilities, with increasing emphasis on crossover vehicles, electric mobility and Asian export opportunities.
Mid-size sedan · 1998
SM5
The SM5 was one of the company's foundational products and became particularly visible in Korean taxi fleets after Renault's acquisition. It was initially associated with Nissan-derived engineering and helped establish customer familiarity with the Renault Samsung name. Production ended in 2019 as the company moved away from traditional sedans. The SM5 was one of the company’s foundational products and became particularly visible through taxi-fleet use after Renault’s acquisition. It helped establish Renault Samsung’s credibility in the Korean market. Production ended in 2019 as the company concentrated more heavily on crossovers and newer Renault-derived products.
Compact sedan · 2002
SM3
Introduced in 2002, the SM3 extended Renault Samsung's range into the compact-car segment. The model was later offered in an electric SM3 Z.E. form, with electric production taking place at Busan. The internal-combustion version was discontinued at the end of the 2010s. Introduced in 2002, the SM3 broadened the company’s range into the compact-sedan segment. An electric SM3 Z.E. derivative was later offered, supporting Renault Samsung’s early Korean electric-vehicle programme.
Large sedan · 2004
SM7
The SM7 was introduced in 2004 as the company's larger sedan offering. It represented Renault Samsung's earlier strategy of maintaining a broad sedan range spanning compact, mid-size and executive categories. Production ended in 2019, reflecting the company's later concentration on crossover vehicles.
Crossover SUV · 2007
QM5
Launched in 2007, the QM5 was Renault Samsung's first major crossover product and an important step toward the utility-oriented portfolio that later became central to the company. It was sold in export markets under different Renault-related identities and was eventually succeeded in the local range by the QM6. The QM5, launched in 2007, was the company’s first major crossover product. It reflected the shift from a sedan-heavy portfolio toward utility vehicles and was sold in some export markets under Renault branding.
Electric sedan · 2012
SM3 Z.E.
The SM3 Z.E. was Renault Samsung's electric version of the SM3. Introduced in 2012 and assembled at Busan from 2013, it became an important early electric vehicle in South Korea and was reported as a domestic market leader by sales in 2013. The SM3 Z.E. was Renault Samsung’s electric version of the SM3. It was introduced in 2012, assembled at Busan from 2013, and briefly became a leading electric model in South Korea by sales share.
Subcompact crossover · 2013
QM3
The QM3 entered the South Korean market in 2013 as a compact crossover based on the Renault Captur. It supported Renault Samsung's move toward smaller, lifestyle-oriented utility vehicles and strengthened the company's connection with Renault's international product portfolio.
Mid-size sedan · 2016
SM6
Introduced in 2016, the SM6 was a South Korean-market version of the Renault Talisman with local adaptations. It became one of the last important sedan products under the Renault Samsung identity. During the 2024 branding transition, it was the principal locally sold model to retain the SM designation and eye-of-the-typhoon badge temporarily. The SM6 is a Korean-market mid-size sedan related to the Renault Talisman. It was introduced in 2016 and became one of the company’s principal locally branded models. During the 2024 transition to Renault branding, it was the notable exception retaining the SM6 identity for a period.
Mid-size crossover SUV · 2016
QM6
The QM6 was launched in 2016 and became one of Renault Korea's principal crossover products. It continued the company's QM naming tradition while the wider portfolio shifted away from sedans. The model remained associated with the Renault Korea range during the transition to Renault branding.
Crossover SUV · 2020
XM3
The XM3 was introduced in 2020 as a locally produced crossover. Its launch reflected Renault Samsung's response to declining sedan demand and the growing importance of compact utility vehicles. The XM nomenclature was introduced for this locally produced crossover before the broader 2024 shift to Renault's global naming approach. The XM3 was introduced in 2020 as a compact crossover and became a key response to the Korean market’s growing preference for SUVs. Its launch marked a major step in Renault Korea’s move away from conventional saloons.
Mid-size crossover SUV · 2024
Renault Grand Koleos
The Grand Koleos was introduced in 2024 as a Renault-branded crossover developed through the Renault–Geely partnership. It uses Geely's Compact Modular Architecture and is closely related to the Geely Xingyue L/Monjaro family. The model represents Renault Korea's renewed product and manufacturing strategy following the end of the Samsung automotive branding era. Introduced in 2024, the Grand Koleos is a Renault-branded crossover developed through the Renault-Geely partnership. It uses Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture and is closely related technically to the Geely Xingyue L/Monjaro family.
Electric hatchback · 2020
Renault Zoe
The Zoe was imported and sold in South Korea from 2020, adding a globally recognised Renault battery-electric passenger car to the company's domestic offering.
Marketing campaigns
- 2009Discover the Difference
South Korea
Renault Samsung introduced the advertising slogan “Discover the Difference” to communicate the distinct design and perceived quality of its vehicles in the Korean market.
Outcome. The slogan became associated with Renault Samsung's brand communications during the Samsung-branded period.
Brand decisions
2024
Adoption of Renault Korea identityStrategyBackground
The company had already removed Samsung from its trade and legal identity and sought to align its local products with Renault's worldwide branding.
Action taken
The company adopted Renault Korea as its trade and legal name and moved most locally sold models to Renault's diamond badge.
Aftermath
The business now operates principally as Renault Korea, with the SM6 temporarily retaining its historic badge and name.
2024
Launch of Renault Grand KoleosProduct launchBackground
Renault Korea needed new products to support its post-Samsung strategy and to make use of the Renault–Geely platform partnership.
Action taken
The company introduced the Renault Grand Koleos, based heavily on Geely's Xingyue L/Monjaro and using Geely's Compact Modular Architecture.
Aftermath
The vehicle became a visible example of Renault Korea's renewed crossover and regional manufacturing strategy.
2022
Geely minority investment and platform partnershipM&ABackground
Renault and Geely sought a broader cooperation structure for vehicle development and production in South Korea. Renault sought a new product and technology relationship for its Korean operation while Geely pursued greater participation in the Korean and Asian vehicle markets.
Action taken
A Geely subsidiary acquired a minority stake through a capital increase, and the companies agreed to develop vehicles using Geely’s Compact Modular Architecture.
Aftermath
Renault remained the majority shareholder and consolidated subsidiary, while the partnership created a pathway for Compact Modular Architecture-based vehicles. Renault remained the majority owner and continued consolidating the company, while the partnership produced the Grand Koleos programme.
2022
Retirement of the Samsung brandStrategyBackground
The company’s right to use the Samsung trademark was approaching the end of its transition period, while Renault sought a more consistent global identity.
Action taken
The business adopted Renault Korea Motors as its trade name and later changed its legal name, beginning the removal of Samsung branding from products and corporate communications.
Aftermath
In 2024 the company became Renault Korea and most locally sold vehicles adopted Renault’s diamond badge.
2020
Phase-out of Samsung automotive brandingStrategyBackground
The trademark agreement allowing automotive use of the Samsung name was approaching its end, while Renault sought greater global brand consistency.
Action taken
The company decided not to renew the Samsung trademark agreement and began a transition toward Renault Korea branding.
Aftermath
The transition culminated in the Renault Korea Motors name in 2022 and the Renault Korea name in 2024.
2020
XM3 crossover launchProduct launchBackground
Declining sedan demand and increasing Korean preference for crossover vehicles required a portfolio adjustment.
Action taken
Renault Samsung launched the XM3, a crossover intended to become a major domestic and export product.
Aftermath
The model became central to the company’s product renewal and crossover-focused strategy.
2012
Production and workforce restructuringStrategyBackground
Sales declined sharply as Hyundai and Kia increased competitive pressure in South Korea.
Action taken
Management presented a major personnel-reduction plan, Renault reduced Busan staffing, and Renault and Nissan invested in production of Nissan Rogue vehicles for export.
Aftermath
The export programme helped support factory utilization while the company attempted to rebuild its product and market position.
Renault and Nissan investment. US$160 million (2012)
2000
Renault acquires Samsung MotorsM&ABackground
The Asian financial crisis weakened Samsung Motors and prompted Samsung Group to seek a buyer for the automotive business.
Action taken
Renault acquired a 70 percent stake and renamed the company Renault Samsung Motors.
Aftermath
The transaction preserved the Busan manufacturing operation and brought the company into Renault's global automotive group.
Acquisition consideration. US$560 million (September 2000)
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Automakers and electronics brands announce Korea Grand Festival promotions[3]
Hyundai Motor, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, KG Mobility, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are set to launch promotional sales on November 1 as part of the Korea Grand Festival. Specific products and discount rates were to be announced when the promotions begin.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Geely acquires 34.02% stake in Renault Korea Motors[4]
Geely Automobile Holdings, through subsidiary Centurion Industries Limited, entered a share subscription agreement and joint venture agreement to hold 34.02% of Renault Korea Motors, with Renault Group remaining majority shareholder.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Geely and Renault establish strategic cooperation for vehicles in South Korea[5]
Geely Holding and Renault Group signed a cooperation agreement under which Geely Holding will become a strategic partner of Renault Samsung Motors and authorize it to use Geely’s vehicle architecture and hybrid powertrain technology. The parties plan to introduce new vehicles in South Korea, with production expected around 2024.
Sources5 sources
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