Renault Korea

Renault Korea Co., Ltd.
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Samsung Motors
Founded	1994
Founder	Samsung Group
Headquarters	Busan, South Korea
Area served	South Korea, international markets
Products	Automobiles, electric vehicles, crossovers
Owner	Renault (majority), Geely (minority)
Parent	Renault Group

Renault Korea Co., Ltd. () is a South Korean automobile manufacturer based in Busan, where its only production facility is located. The company also maintains administrative offices in Seoul, a research and development center in Giheung, and a vehicle testing site in Daegu.

Established in 1994 as Samsung Motors by the chaebol Samsung, with technical collaboration from Nissan, it commenced vehicle sales in 1998 during the aftermath of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. In 2000, the firm became a subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault and was renamed Renault Samsung Motors, with Samsung retaining a minority share. The brand transitioned to Renault Korea Motors in March 2022, officially changing its legal name by August of the same year. In December 2022, Geely acquired a minority stake through a capital increase as part of a broader alliance with Renault, which continues to hold majority ownership.

In April 2024, the company adopted its current name, Renault Korea, and now markets vehicles under the Renault brand.

The product lineup of Renault Korea includes electric vehicles and crossovers, catering to both domestic consumers and international markets.

Origins: Samsung Group period (1994–2000)

During the early 1990s, Samsung’s Chairman Lee Kun-hee identified the automotive sector as a strategic industry that could benefit from the conglomerate’s technological capabilities, especially those of Samsung Electrics and Samsung Electronics. After failing to acquire Kia, which was eventually taken over by Hyundai, Lee opted to create a new automobile manufacturer, Samsung Motors (SMI), alongside a truck manufacturing company, Samsung Commercial Vehicles Co., Ltd., established through Samsung Heavy Industries with backing from Nissan Diesel. SMI was founded in 1994 (incorporated in 1995), while Samsung Commercial Vehicles was launched in 1996. Soon after SMI started operations, the Asian financial crisis forced Samsung to sell off non-core businesses including SMI.

The sale of SMI attracted initial interest from Daewoo Motors, but Daewoo itself was acquired by GM. Discussions with Hyundai Motors were also considered but did not progress due to corporate rivalry between Hyundai and Samsung. Negotiations with Renault began in December 1998 and concluded with Renault acquiring a 70% ownership stake for in September 2000. Samsung Commercial Vehicles remained under Samsung’s control but declared bankruptcy by the end of that year.

Lee’s ambition to establish SMI as an international automaker started with technical support from Nissan, which was experiencing financial difficulties at that time. This Nissan association likely facilitated Renault’s eventual takeover, as Renault had become a significant shareholder in Nissan. Initial strategies also explored partnerships with companies such as Volkswagen, BMW, or Honda. Beginning in 1998, Renault Samsung Motors expanded its presence overseas, including launching the SQ5 (now SM5) model in Chile.

Expansion of products and markets (2000–2010)

Following Renault's acquisition in 2000, Samsung Motors was renamed Renault Samsung Motors (RSM). That same year, the company saw a significant increase in sales, largely due to the popularity of the SM5, produced in Busan and extensively utilized within taxi fleets, which enhanced consumer trust. RSM then broadened its product range with the introduction of the SM3 in 2002, the SM7 in 2004, and the QM5 crossover in 2007. Over time, the company transitioned from platforms based on Nissan designs to those developed by Renault. Operating under the Renault Group umbrella, RSM emphasized manufacturing geared toward exports.

In 2005, Renault expanded its stake by purchasing an additional 10% from creditors, bringing its ownership to 80%. On 26 June 2009, Renault and Samsung renewed their licensing agreement, allowing Renault to continue using the "Samsung" brand on vehicles until 2020.

Sales downturn, electric mobility initiatives, and recovery efforts (2010–2022)

During the 2010s, Renault Samsung Motors (RSM) faced intensified rivalry from Hyundai and Kia, resulting in a 27% sales decline in 2011 and a further 41% drop in early 2012. To address these challenges, management initially proposed cutting approximately 80% of staff but ultimately reduced the Busan workforce by about 15%, equating to roughly 800 employees. To boost operations, Renault and Nissan invested $160 million to manufacture Nissan Rogues for export markets and refreshed the SM3 and SM5 models.

In 2013, RSM introduced the QM3 compact crossover, which was based on the Renault Captur platform. By late 2015, total sales within South Korea had reached 1.5 million units. The company launched the SM6 mid-size sedan—derived from the Renault Talisman—and the QM6 crossover in 2016. In 2018, RSM expanded its offerings by adding the Renault Clio and Master commercial vehicle to its lineup.

Despite these initiatives, both production and sales declined again by 2019. RSM extended its Nissan Rogue assembly contract through March 2020 but at a reduced production scale to sustain volume levels and pursued further manufacturing contracts with Renault. Labor unrest increased amid plans for early retirements intended to downsize the workforce. That year marked the discontinuation of most sedan models: SM5 production ended in June while internal combustion engine versions of SM3 and SM7 ceased by January 2020. The XM3 crossover was launched in March 2020.

RSM debuted its first electric vehicle in 2012 with the SM3 Z.E., initially imported from Turkey before shifting to local production starting October 2013. This model rapidly secured a dominant position with a 58% share of South Korea’s electric vehicle market. The company revealed intentions to introduce the ultra-compact Renault Twizy EV in 2017 and began offering imported Renault Zoe models in 2020. In May 2016, RSM collaborated with domestic partners to develop a one-tonne electric light commercial vehicle capable of traveling up to 250 km per charge.

By 2013, Chile represented RSM’s sole significant export market under the Renault Samsung badge; however, by 2015 all vehicles sold there were rebranded as Renault for global uniformity.

In August 2020, RSM declared it would not renew its licensing arrangement for use of the "Samsung" trademark after expiration but retained rights for an additional two years during a grace period. In March 2022, the company officially removed "Samsung" from its corporate identity, rebranding as Renault Korea Motors and initiating legal name changes set for completion by August.

Geely partnership (2022–present)

In January 2022, Renault, the parent company of RSM, and Geely reached an agreement for the South Korean automaker to manufacture vehicles utilizing Geely's Compact Modular Architecture platform, with production intended for the domestic market starting in 2024. By May 2022, a Geely affiliate planned to acquire a 34.02% stake in Renault Korea Motors through a capital increase, while Renault maintained controlling interest. The transaction finalized by the end of the year, resulting in Renault holding 52.9% ownership. Samsung’s share decreased from 19.9% to 13.1%, with intentions to sell off its remaining shares.

In April 2024, the company underwent rebranding as Renault Korea, removing "Motors" from its name and consolidating most local models under the Renault brand, except for the SM6. In June 2024, Renault Korea introduced its first vehicle based on Geely technology, the Renault Grand Koleos, aiming to boost competitiveness within the South Korean automotive sector.

Manufacturing

The automobile production facility located in Busan at the Sinho Regional Industrial Site commenced operations in 1998. Spanning 1,650,000 m², it boasts an annual capacity of 300,000 units and supports simultaneous production of multiple models on a single assembly line. The plant encompasses seven specialized workshops: stamping, body assembly, painting, bumper assembly, final assembly, aluminium casting, and engine manufacturing.

Research and development

Renault Technology Korea (), situated in Giheung near Seoul, ranks among Renault’s largest R&D hubs after the Technocentre in Guyancourt. Founded in 1997 as Samsung Motors Technical Centre, it expanded its operations in 2000 and was renamed Renault Samsung Technical Centre before adopting its current designation in 2017.

Originally dedicated to vehicle engineering, the facility established the RSM Design Centre in 2002 to locally design company models. Rebranded as Renault Design Asia in 2013, it now manages Renault’s design activities across Asia.

In November 2018, Renault Samsung Motors inaugurated a vehicle testing facility in Daegu focused on the Asia-Pacific region. This center conducts testing on electric vehicles, autonomous driving technologies, and connected car systems.

In May 2023, Renault Korea Motors announced plans to develop an electric vehicle R&D center within its Busan plant complex through collaboration with the city of Busan.

Administration

Between 1995 and 2013, the corporate headquarters were located in the HSBC Building in Jung District, Seoul. In January 2013, operations moved to the purpose-built RSM Tower () in Gasan-dong, Seoul. By December 2017, most executive functions transitioned to offices in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul; however, some administrative and maintenance departments remained at RSM Tower. Additional administrative facilities are maintained in Busan.

Logos

Initially, Renault Samsung Motors employed two distinct logos: a corporate emblem derived from Samsung Group’s symbol and the "eye of the typhoon" logo used for marketing and brand identity purposes. Imported vehicles introduced from 2017 onward carried Renault’s diamond badge instead of adopting the Renault Samsung emblem.

In March 2022, a redesigned flat and two-dimensional version of the eye of the typhoon was adopted as both corporate and brand logos, incorporating stylistic elements reminiscent of Renault’s 2021 diamond logo. In April 2024, Renault Korea standardized its branding by applying the Renault diamond badge across all imported and domestically produced vehicles. The SM6 will continue to feature the eye of the typhoon emblem until its discontinuation scheduled for October 2024.

Slogan

Renault Samsung Motors adopted the advertising slogan Discover the Difference () in 2009, emphasizing the unique quality that distinguishes its vehicles.

Vehicle nomenclature

Up until April 2024, Renault Samsung Motors employed a numerical system in its model names to indicate vehicle size: 3 designated compact or small cars, 5 and 6 were assigned to mid-sized vehicles, and 7 identified large models. The letters S and M represented Samsung Motors and Samsung Motor Sedan, respectively. For SUVs, the prefix shifted from SM to QM, standing for Quest Motoring. Models imported since 2017 kept their original names rather than conforming to RSM’s naming conventions. In March 2020, the XM designation was introduced for a domestically manufactured crossover SUV. By April 2024, with most offerings integrated into the Renault brand, this naming approach was largely phased out, except for the QM6 and SM6 models which maintained their established names.

Typography

In 2016, Sandoll Communications, Inc. created a Hangul adaptation of Renault’s Renault Life typeface family. This set included three distinct fonts across three weights—light, regular, and bold—with one Roman width. The project was overseen by Lee Do-kyung, with design leadership from Park Ju-seong and Wi Ye-jin.

Solar energy project

Renault Samsung Motors finalized a 20-megawatt solar power facility at its Busan plant in March 2013, ranking among the largest globally. This initiative was carried out through a joint venture called Busan Shinho Solar Power SPC, formed by RSM alongside Korea East-West Power and KC Cottrell, which jointly operate the plant. The solar energy generated supports both RSM’s manufacturing activities and residential areas nearby.

Current lineup

As of now, the available models include:

Arkana – crossover with coupe styling
Grand Koleos – derived from the Geely Xingyue L, exported under the Koleos name
QM6 – second crossover model based on the second-generation Renault Koleos
Scenic – electric crossover

Former lineup

Previously sold models comprise:

Twizy – initially imported then locally produced electric microcar quadricycle
Zoe – imported electric supermini
Clio – imported supermini
Captur – imported subcompact crossover SUV
Master – imported light commercial vehicle
QM3 – imported subcompact crossover based on Captur
QM5 – first crossover SUV based on first-generation Koleos
SM3 – small family car
SM3 Z.E. – electric small family car derived from Renault Fluence Z.E.
SM5 – large family car
SM6 – large family car modeled on Renault Talisman
SM7 – executive sedan
XM3 – coupe-styled crossover based on Renault Arkana

Contract Manufacturing

The firm produces vehicles on behalf of its parent company Renault, its collaborator Nissan, and Polestar, which is linked to Geely.

Current Models

Polestar 4 (production commencing in the second half of 2025)

Previous Models

Nissan Rogue (2014–2020)
Nissan Sunny/Almera Classic (2006–2013)
Renault Fluence (2009–2019)
Renault Latitude/Safrane (2010–2016)
Renault Scala (2010–2013)
Renault Talisman (2016–2023)