Renault Geely do Brasil
A joint venture between Renault and Geely in Brazil, focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Renault Geely do Brasil is a joint venture between Renault Group and Geely Holding in Brazil, aiming to leverage both parties' technology and resources to develop and produce hybrid and electric vehicles in the Brazilian market. The company will combine Renault's manufacturing experience with Geely's electric technology to promote sustainable mobility in Brazil.
History
Renault's connection with Brazil dates to the early 1960s, when Willys-Overland produced Renault vehicles under license. The Interlagos, introduced at the end of 1961, was derived from the Alpine A110, while the Dauphine and Dauphine Gordini were also produced locally. In 1968 Willys-Overland sold its Brazilian operations to Ford do Brasil. Ford inherited Project M, a Renault-Willys development that later led to the Ford Corcel, whose styling and engineering reflected its Renault origins. Brazil subsequently restricted vehicle imports, and Renault was absent from the market for much of the 1970s and 1980s. The company returned in 1992 through COFAL, a holding company that assumed responsibility for Renault's Argentine and Brazilian operations. Renault regained control of those activities in 1997 and established Renault do Brasil Automóveis as its Brazilian subsidiary. Industrial development accelerated with the Ayrton Senna complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná. The passenger-vehicle plant opened in 1998. Renault's Mecanica Mercosul engine facility began operations in 1999, and a light-commercial-vehicle plant was also established at the site in cooperation with Nissan. To help finance the industrial project, Renault entered an arrangement under which the State of Paraná received a 40 percent stake in exchange for US$1.2 billion; most of that interest was scheduled to return to Renault after seven years. Although the arrangement generated political disagreement, the complex became the foundation of Renault's Brazilian manufacturing presence. The first Renault vehicles produced at the complex included the Scénic and Clio. Production later expanded to the Mégane in sedan and estate forms, followed by the Logan, Sandero, Duster, Oroch, Kwid, Kardian, and other models. Clio production moved to Argentina in 2007, while Mégane production ended during the 2010–2012 period. Renault also manufactured the Master light commercial vehicle and developed a significant engine and component operation. During the 2010s, Renault increased its production and export ambitions. In August 2011 the company announced a R$1.5 billion investment program intended to expand annual production capacity to 320,000 vehicles by 2015. The reference material records 194,300 Brazilian vehicle sales and a 5.7 percent market share in 2011, alongside production of 256,200 vehicles and vans and 332,000 engines. It also states that 41 percent of locally produced vehicles, engines, and parts were exported, with Argentina and Colombia among the principal destinations. In August 2012 Renault announced a planned 25 percent increase in output at Mecanica Mercosul by 2013. Product and design localization became another part of the operation's development. Renault Design América Latina opened in São Paulo in April 2008 as Renault's first design center in the Americas. It presented the Sand'Up concept at the 2008 São Paulo International Motor Show, created the Sandero Stepway concept in 2010, and contributed to Duster-related design work. The center also developed the D-Cross concept for the 2012 São Paulo show and helped modify production Sandero and Logan models for regional market requirements. Renault's Brazilian business entered a strategic transition in the 2020s. In February 2024 Renault and Geely announced a framework agreement aimed at expanding electric-vehicle production and sales in Brazil, with Geely expected to invest for a minority shareholding. In 2025 the companies announced a joint venture for Brazilian electric-vehicle manufacturing. The announced structure left Renault as majority owner and allocated minority stakes to Geely Auto, Geely Holding, and an independent third party. Later reference material describes Geely's formal acquisition of a 26.4 percent stake, Renault Group's continuing majority control, a planned investment of R$3.8 billion, and the renaming of the operation to Renault Geely do Brasil. The venture is intended to manufacture Geely vehicles alongside Renault products at the Ayrton Senna complex, linking Renault's established Brazilian industrial and commercial network with Geely's electric-vehicle portfolio.
- 2025
Brazilian electric-vehicle joint venture announced
[1]Renault and Geely announced a joint venture structure for electric-vehicle manufacturing in Brazil, with Renault retaining majority ownership.
- 2025
Operation renamed Renault Geely do Brasil
[1]The reference material states that Geely acquired a 26.4 percent stake, Renault remained the majority shareholder, and the operation adopted the Renault Geely do Brasil name.
- 2024
Renault and Geely establish a Brazilian cooperation framework
[1]The companies announced a framework for expanded electric-vehicle production and sales cooperation, including Geely's proposed minority investment in Renault do Brasil.
- 2012
Engine-production expansion announced
[1]Renault announced plans to raise output at Mecanica Mercosul by 25 percent by 2013.
- 2011
Brazilian investment and capacity program announced
[1]Renault announced a R$1.5 billion investment plan intended to expand Brazilian production capacity to 320,000 vehicles by 2015.
- 2008
Renault Design América Latina opens
[1]Renault opened its first design center in the Americas in São Paulo to support Latin American product development and adaptation.
- 1999
Mecanica Mercosul engine plant begins operations
[1]The complex expanded with an engine plant, strengthening Renault's local manufacturing and powertrain capabilities.
- 1998
Ayrton Senna passenger-car plant opens
[1]Renault opened the passenger-car manufacturing facility at its Ayrton Senna complex in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná.
- 1997
Renault establishes its Brazilian subsidiary
[1]Renault regained control of its Brazilian and Argentine operations and formed Renault do Brasil Automóveis.
- 1992
Renault returns through COFAL
[1]Renault's Argentine and Brazilian activities were taken over by the COFAL holding company as Renault re-established a presence in the region.
Products and positioning
Localized mass-market and utility-vehicle manufacturing in Brazil, with a growing emphasis on compact vehicles, commercial vehicles, regional product adaptation, and electric-vehicle cooperation with Geely.
Compact MPV · 1999
Renault Scénic
One of the first Renault passenger vehicles manufactured in Brazil after the Ayrton Senna complex opened. The Scénic helped establish Renault as a local producer rather than solely an imported brand.
Subcompact hatchback · 1999
Renault Clio
The Clio was among Renault's early Brazilian production models. Brazilian production later moved to Renault Argentina in 2007.
Compact car · 2006
Renault Mégane
Produced in Brazil in sedan and estate configurations, the Mégane represented Renault's effort to cover the compact family-car segment with locally assembled vehicles.
Compact sedan · 2007
Renault Logan
The Logan was introduced as a practical, value-oriented compact model suited to emerging-market requirements. It became part of Renault's locally manufactured Brazilian range before production ended in the reference period.
Subcompact hatchback · 2007
Renault Sandero
The Sandero was a major locally produced hatchback and a focus of Renault's Latin American design and market adaptation work. The Brazilian range included successive generations and related Stepway variants.
Compact SUV · 2011
Renault Duster
The Duster became one of Renault's principal Brazilian sport utility vehicles. It was produced locally and supported Renault's expansion in the fast-growing compact SUV segment, with regional design input from Renault's São Paulo studio.
Light commercial van · 2001
Renault Master
The Master is Renault's principal light-commercial offering associated with Brazilian production. The Brazilian operation produced the third generation after earlier Master production phases.
Compact pickup · 2015
Renault Oroch
The Oroch is a compact pickup derived from Renault's small-SUV architecture and developed for Latin American use. It expanded Renault do Brasil's presence in the utility and leisure-pickup market.
Entry-level hatchback · 2017
Renault Kwid
The Kwid is a small, value-focused hatchback adapted for the Brazilian market. It broadened Renault's reach among entry-level buyers and became an important compact model in the local lineup.
Subcompact SUV · 2023
Renault Kardian
The Kardian is a newer compact SUV in Renault's Brazilian range, reflecting the company's shift toward crossover products and more recent regional product strategies.
SUV · 2025
Renault Boreal
The Boreal is listed in the reference material as a current Renault model for the Brazilian operation from 2025.
SUV · 2025
Renault Koleos
The Koleos is listed in the reference material among the Brazilian operation's current models from 2025.
Brand decisions
2025
Create an electric-vehicle manufacturing joint ventureM&ABackground
The partnership was intended to combine Renault's Brazilian industrial footprint with Geely's electric-vehicle technology and product portfolio.
Action taken
Renault, Geely Auto, and Geely Holding announced a joint venture structure with Renault holding 73.57 percent, Geely Auto 21.29 percent, Geely Holding 5.11 percent, and an independent third party 0.03 percent.
Aftermath
The announced structure preserved Renault's majority control while creating a platform for Geely-branded and Renault electric vehicles to be produced in Brazil.
2025
Rename the operation Renault Geely do BrasilM&ABackground
The completed minority investment formalized Geely's participation in Renault's Brazilian operation.
Action taken
The reference material states that Geely acquired a 26.4 percent stake, Renault Group remained the majority shareholder, and the company was renamed Renault Geely do Brasil. The partners also announced R$3.8 billion of investment in the joint venture.
Aftermath
The renamed company is expected to manufacture Geely Auto vehicles alongside Renault models at the Ayrton Senna complex while Renault continues to consolidate the entity.
Announced joint-venture investment. R$3.8 billion (2025 announcement)
2024
Enter an expanded Renault-Geely Brazilian partnershipM&ABackground
Renault and Geely were seeking a route into localized electric-vehicle manufacturing and sales in Brazil.
Action taken
The companies announced a framework under which Geely would invest in Renault do Brasil and obtain a minority interest, while using Renault's Brazilian production, sales, and service infrastructure.
Aftermath
The framework developed into a proposed electric-vehicle joint venture and a change in the Brazilian operation's ownership and name.
2012
Increase engine output at Mecanica MercosulStrategyBackground
Renault sought to expand the powertrain capacity supporting its Brazilian vehicle production and regional exports.
Action taken
The company announced a plan to raise Mecanica Mercosul production by 25 percent by 2013.
Aftermath
The plan was intended to strengthen the complex's role in engines and components, although the available reference does not provide a later measured result.
2011
Expand Brazilian production capacityStrategyBackground
Renault's Brazilian sales and production were growing, and the company sought to increase its role in the country's expanding automotive market.
Action taken
Renault announced a R$1.5 billion investment plan targeting production capacity of 320,000 vehicles by 2015.
Aftermath
The program reinforced the Ayrton Senna complex as a regional manufacturing and export base.
Announced investment. R$1.5 billion (2011 announcement; target capacity by 2015)
1997
Re-establish a controlled Brazilian subsidiaryStrategyBackground
After Renault's regional operations had been managed through COFAL during its return to Brazil, Renault resumed control of its Argentine and Brazilian activities.
Action taken
Renault formed Renault do Brasil Automóveis and began building a directly controlled industrial and commercial presence.
Aftermath
The decision led to the Ayrton Senna complex and the transition from a limited market presence to local vehicle and engine manufacturing.
Recent events
- 2025
Renault and Geely announce Brazilian electric-vehicle joint venture[1]
M&A · Product launch
Renault, Geely Auto, and Geely Holding announced plans for a joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles in Brazil. The announced structure retained Renault as the majority participant while allocating minority interests to Geely-related entities and an independent third party.
- 2025
Geely acquires minority stake and Brazilian operation adopts Renault Geely name[1]
M&A · Leadership change
The reference material states that Geely formally acquired a 26.4 percent interest in Renault do Brasil, with Renault Group retaining majority control and continuing to consolidate the company. The operation was renamed Renault Geely do Brasil and was expected to build Geely-branded vehicles alongside Renault models.
- 2024
Renault and Geely announce framework for expanded Brazilian cooperation[1]
M&A · Product launch
Renault and Geely announced a framework agreement covering expanded cooperation in Brazilian electric-vehicle production and sales. The proposed investment would give Geely a minority stake in Renault's Brazilian operation and access to localized manufacturing, distribution, and service capabilities.
Sources2 sources
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