Renault Korea starts anew with diamond-shaped emblem, plans to launch new hybrid, EV models

Renault Korea CEO Stephane Deblaise, center, poses with Renault Group executives, and the New Renault QM6 model at a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

Renault Korea seeks to make a breakthrough in the Korean market with its newly revamped emblem and the launching of strategic hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) models over the next three years, the automaker said Wednesday.

As a result of this decision, the local subsidiary of the French automaker will equip its upcoming models here with the group's symbolic diamond-shaped logo. The move reflects the firm's strong will to rebuild its corporate identity here, according to the company.

Renault Korea's midsize flagship SUV QM6 and smaller SUV XM3 will also be sold with the new logo here.

"We have launched iconic models — SM5, QM6 and XM3 — for the past two decades in Korea," Renault Korea CEO Stephane Deblaise told reporters during a press conference in Seoul. "We will elevate our brand identity as a more beloved automaker by exchanging more with Korean customers."

The automaker also introduced its much-hyped new brand strategy known as Electric Pop. Renault Group's E-Tech electrification technology will stand at the center of the strategy, so that the automaker stays in line with the ongoing auto paradigm shift.

The company also pledged to level up its in-vehicle connectivity technologies and develop state-of-the-art infotainment systems to attract more trendy and design-savvy customers here. Renault Korea also shared its plan to introduce better safety solutions called Human First programs for its vehicles.

Renault Korea also reiterated its strong willingness to regain its past glory with its upcoming mid-size hybrid SUV — better known by its project name, the Aurora 1 — in the latter half of this year. The SUV will be the automaker's first new model in four years after the XM3 in 2020.

The strategic hybrid SUV will debut at the upcoming 2024 Busan International Mobility Show in the nation's southern port city in June.

The automaker also plans to start sales for its Scenic E-Tech electric vehicle sometime in the first half of 2025. The model will be imported at the early phase of its sales, but the automaker is also considering manufacturing them in Korea in the near future.

The latest announcement by Renault Korea is part of the firm's grand investment plan. The company recently shared its three-year investment vision by allocating a budget of 1.5 trillion won ($1.13 billion) for future mobility by 2027. The plan also includes hiring 200 new employees here. The decision is aimed at transforming itself into a vehicle maker focusing on hybrid vehicles and EVs.