20:14 13-01-2026

Renault Filante: a Geely-based hybrid crossover for Korea and beyond

Renault has unveiled the Filante, a new hybrid crossover slated to reach South Korea in March 2026. Built on a Geely platform, the model fits neatly into Renault’s broader push to expand partnerships and rein in production costs.

The new Filante and Renault’s localization play

Filante sits on the Compact Modular Architecture developed by China’s Geely. Production is set up at Renault’s Busan plant—one of the company’s key sites outside Europe. The same factory has been assembling the large Grand Koleos since 2024, also using Geely underpinnings. This path trims development spending and helps Renault react faster to shifting market demands. The cadence suggests a pragmatic stance: proven platforms and local assembly often shave months off launch timelines and keep budgets in check.

Filante’s global rollout: from Korea to Latin America

After the Korean debut, Renault plans to bring Filante to Latin America and the Gulf states by early 2027. The move aligns with recent Renault–Geely deals, including the sale of 26.4% of Renault’s Brazilian unit to the Chinese partner for joint vehicle production. Competition is ramping up as BYD builds plants and pushes accessible EV and PHEV models. In these regions, price-sensitive buyers and rapidly evolving infrastructure reward flexible platforms and agile sourcing—exactly where this cooperation can pay dividends.

Sales momentum underscores Renault’s strategy

Partnered development is already delivering results. Renault’s sales outside Europe grew by 11% in 2025, reversing the previous year’s decline. In practice, the brand is accelerating globalization by combining Chinese platforms, Korean manufacturing capacity, and its own sales network in markets where the rivalry with BYD and Chery is sharpening. Figures like these rarely come by chance—standardized components and regionalized production are doing the heavy lifting.

Renault Filante is more than a new hybrid crossover; it’s a strategic pillar in Renault’s cooperation with Geely and a bid to strengthen its footprint beyond Europe. With a versatile platform, local assembly, and a push into developing markets, Filante is positioned as a globally relevant model—with a clear focus on efficiency and real-world competitiveness.