Renault do Brasil
| File:Renault 2021.svg Renault logo | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | São José dos Pinhais, Curitiba , Brazil |
Area served | Brazil |
| Products | Automobiles, engines, light commercial vehicles |
| Owner | Renault (indirectly 80.29% via COFAL), State of Paraná (minority stake) |
| Parent | Renault |
Renault do Brasil (), previously known as Renault do Brasil Automoveis, operates as the Brazilian branch of the French automotive manufacturer Renault. Founded in 1997, it holds the position of the fifth largest car producer in Brazil based on sales figures. By 2012, Brazil had become Renault's second most significant market worldwide.
History
Renault's presence in Brazil dates back to the 1960s, initially established through a collaboration with the American firm Willys Overland, which assembled Renault-licensed vehicles. In 1961, Willys launched the Interlagos, a replica of the Alpine A110, alongside models such as the Dauphine and Dauphine Gordini until 1968. That year, Willys transferred its operations to Ford do Brasil, which took over the "project M"—a joint venture with Renault that resulted in the introduction of the Ford Corcel, designed as an Americanized version of the Renault 12 equipped with a CH1 engine.
During the 1970s, Brazil imposed restrictions on automobile imports, and Renault did not resume activities there until 1992 when COFAL SA assumed control of its Argentine and Brazilian operations. Full ownership was restored to Renault in 1997, leading to the foundation of Renault do Brasil Automoveis. The following year, Renault inaugurated the Ayrton Senna manufacturing facility located in São José dos Pinhais, Curitiba. To support this investment, Renault offered the State of Paraná a 40% ownership stake for US$1.2 billion, most of which was repurchased after seven years—an arrangement that sparked some political debate.
The initial locally produced models included the Scenic and Clio (with Clio production shifting to Renault Argentina in 2007). The company also assembled sedan and wagon versions of the Megane until production ceased between 2010 and 2012. Later on, manufacturing shifted to models such as the Sandero, Logan, and Duster.
In February 2024, Renault and Geely revealed a strategic partnership aimed at boosting electric vehicle manufacturing and distribution within Brazil. Geely Holding Group will acquire a minority share in Renault do Brasil, gaining access to local production facilities, sales networks, and service infrastructure—enhancing its foothold in the Brazilian automotive sector.
Operations
The Ayrton Senna complex covers an area of 2.5 million square meters and comprises a passenger car plant (body assembly and final assembly) inaugurated in 1998, the Mecanica Mercosul engine factory established in 1999, along with a light commercial vehicle (LCV) plant operated jointly with Nissan.
In August 2011, Renault declared an investment of R$1.5 billion aimed at increasing production capacity to 320,000 units by 2015. That year marked a growth rate for Renault in Brazil that was seven times higher than the overall market average, with sales reaching 194,300 vehicles and capturing a 5.7% market share. Production volumes hit 256,200 cars and vans alongside 332,000 engines.
Exports represented 41% of total output, supplying Renault affiliates across Argentina (22%), Colombia (13%), Romania, and Mexico (4%).
On August 2, 2012, Renault announced plans to boost Mecanica Mercosul's production by an additional 25% by the following year.
Renault Design America Latina
In April 2008, Renault inaugurated its first design studio in the Americas located in São Paulo. This center was responsible for creating the Sand'Up concept revealed at the 2008 São Paulo International Motor Show, developing the Sandero Stepway concept in 2010, and contributing to the design of the Duster model. It also crafted the D-Cross—a concept based on the Duster—presented at the 2012 São Paulo Motor Show. Furthermore, this design hub adapted both Sandero and Logan production models to better suit regional market preferences.
Vehicles currently in production
- Renault Master III (2012–ongoing)
- Renault Duster (since October 2011)
- Renault Oroch (from 2015 to present)
- Renault Kwid (introduced in 2017 and still produced)
- Renault Kardian (launched in 2023 and currently available)
Vehicles previously produced
- Renault Clio II (October 1999 to 2007)
- Renault Scénic (January 1999 until July 2010)
- Renault Mégane II (2006 to approximately 2012)
- Renault Master II (2001 through 2012)
- Renault Logan I (2007–2013)
- Renault Logan II (2013–2025)
- Renault Sandero I (2007–2014)
- Renault Sandero II (2014–2025)
- Renault Captur (2016–2023)
Ownership
By 2011, Renault maintained indirect ownership of 80.29% via Compagnie Financière pour L'Amérique Latine (COFAL), which also possessed shares in Renault Argentina. The French Renault company directly held 19.56%, while the remaining portion was owned by the State of Paraná.