Renault has unveiled its international market expansion plan, slated for completion by 2027. This endeavor includes the introduction of eight new models, with the Kardian SUV leading the way as the first among them. To bring this plan to fruition, the French brand has allocated €3 billion (approximately $3.2 billion) in investment, aligning it with the broader ‘Renaulution’ strategy.
The company revealed that among the eight new models due to be launched by 2027, five of them will be positioned in the compact and midsize categories (C- and D-Segments). The Renault Kardian that made its world premiere today is a sub-compact SUV (B-Segment), while at least one of the remaining two models will belong to the large category (E-Segment).
While the presentation’s outlines don’t definitively indicate the body styles, they seem to depict one hatchback, five SUVs, one LCV, and one pickup.
Renault currently operates in 80 countries outside of Europe, contributing to 43% of its global sales, which amounted to 634,124 units in 2022. The company has set an ambitious new goal: to double net revenue per unit by 2027 compared to 2019, aiming for a substantial boost in profitability. To achieve this, it plans to streamline its vehicle platforms for all markets outside Europe, consolidating them into two new highly modular architectures.
In terms of powertrains, Renault aims to have one out of every three vehicles sold outside Europe by 2027 be either hybrid or fully electric. The company’s strategy for reducing global CO2 emissions will start with hybrid offerings and subsequently include the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) in more regions.
Renault-Geely Partnership In Korea
The first platform is the CMA (compact modular architecture), which will be localized in South Korea as part of the partnership between Renault and Geely. This architecture already underpins a large number of models from Geely-owned brands including Volvo, Smart, Zeekr, and Lotus. Renault said it will be dedicated to “high-end” D- and E-Segment vehicles, primarily offered with hybrid powertrains in 2WD and AWD trims.
Renault-branded models will be engineered in Seoul and produced at the Busan plant in South Korea. While the company didn’t provide specific details, they have promised to release more information next year, coinciding with the unveiling of the first model from Renault Korea Motors, which has already teased a coupe-SUV.
Renault Group Modular Platform
The second new architecture is called Renault Group Modular Platform and underpins both the Kardian B-SUV and the Niagara pickup concept. It is said to be scalable, “extremely” flexible, competitive, and efficient. It will accommodate vehicles measuring between 4-5 m (157.5-196.9 inches) long, with a fixed front unit, four different wheelbase lengths measuring between 2.6-3 m (102.4-118 inches), and three variations of the rear unit.
The platform will be compatible with a variety of powertrains including petrol, LPG, flex fuel, mild-hybrid, and full hybrid coming in FWD or 4WD forms. Renault said that the upcoming models based on the new modular architecture will be assembled in its factories in Latin America, Turkey, Morocco, and India.
