Renault Expands Global Partnerships, Holds Talks with China’s Chery After Brazil Deal with Geely

Post by : Saif Nasser

Renault is deepening its international cooperation with other carmakers as it looks for new ways to strengthen its position in the global auto industry. After completing a major deal with China’s Geely in Brazil, Renault confirmed it is now in discussions with more automakers — including China’s Chery — to explore new joint production and sales projects.

The French car manufacturer officially completed its agreement with Geely on Monday, marking a new stage in its strategy to expand through partnerships. Under the deal, Geely acquired a 26.4% stake in Renault’s Brazilian subsidiary. The two companies plan to produce and sell vehicles together in Brazil, which is the largest car market in Latin America.

According to Renault’s Chief Growth Officer, Fabrice Cambolive, the company’s approach is focused on sharing technology, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities. “This type of partnership is clearly a winning one,” Cambolive said during a press briefing. “We are expanding access to different platforms, industrial tools, engineering, and distribution networks.”

Cambolive added that Renault is open to other partnerships in various regions, confirming that discussions are ongoing with Chery, another major Chinese automaker. However, he clarified that no formal projects have yet been finalized. Bloomberg News had earlier reported that Renault and Chery were considering cooperation in South America.

The new partnership model represents Renault’s effort to increase efficiency in its global operations and stay competitive in a rapidly changing automotive market. With electric and hybrid vehicles gaining popularity, many traditional carmakers are forming alliances to share costs and access new technologies faster.

The deal in Brazil gives Geely access to Renault’s factory in São José dos Pinhais, located in the state of Paraná. Geely will assemble its own branded cars there and distribute them using Renault’s sales network in the country. In return, Renault will be able to use Geely’s modern vehicle platforms to develop new models for the Brazilian market, including in segments where Renault does not currently compete.

Cambolive said the main goal is to increase the factory’s production levels. At the moment, the plant is working at only about half of its total capacity, which is around 400,000 vehicles per year. The cooperation with Geely could significantly boost production and sales, improving the plant’s economic performance.

This new partnership is part of Renault’s global effort to modernize its operations and compete with both Western and Chinese automakers. Geely, which also owns Volvo and has investments in Daimler, has become a powerful player in the international auto market. Its collaboration with Renault allows both companies to use each other’s strengths — Renault’s established manufacturing and sales base in Latin America, and Geely’s advanced technology and flexible vehicle platforms.

Renault’s growing interest in collaboration with Chinese carmakers is also a reflection of how the industry is evolving. Chinese automakers like BYD, Chery, and Geely are expanding aggressively into global markets, including Europe and South America. BYD, for example, is building a new factory in Brazil and gaining popularity with its affordable electric and hybrid cars.

Renault already has a history of working with Geely beyond Latin America. In South Korea, Renault has been producing and selling the Grand Koleos, which was developed on Geely’s vehicle platform, since 2024. These cooperative ventures show how Renault is adjusting to the new realities of global car production, where shared technology and joint investments are becoming more common.

The French automaker continues to operate factories in about a dozen countries, including France, Spain, India, and now Brazil in partnership with Geely. By joining forces with different partners across regions, Renault hopes to lower costs, speed up innovation, and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive global market.

The talks with Chery could open another opportunity for Renault to expand in South America or other developing regions. Chery has been one of the fastest-growing Chinese car brands internationally, known for its affordable and fuel-efficient models. A deal with Chery could further strengthen Renault’s presence in markets where consumers are seeking cost-effective vehicles.

For Renault, this growing web of alliances marks a shift from going alone to sharing expertise and resources across borders. It also signals a broader trend in the global auto industry — where cooperation, not competition alone, may be the key to survival and success.

As Renault finalizes its partnership with Geely in Brazil and continues talks with Chery, the company is clearly positioning itself to face the future of global carmaking: one defined by electric power, shared technology, and international collaboration.