Photo: screengrab from the official website of Brasil 247

By Brasil 247 - The Brazilian unit of Renault has entered a new phase after officially changing its name to Renault Geely do Brasil, following Geely's purchase of slightly more than 26% of the French brand's operations in the country. The agreement also confirms that Chinese-branded vehicles will be produced at Renault's plant in São José dos Pinhais, in the state of Paraná.

According to Motor Show magazine, which first reported the announcement, the initial investment will total R$ 3.8 billion, marking one of the most significant expansions of automotive production capacity in Brazil in recent years.

The Motor Show report, written by Lucca Mendonça, notes that the investment will be directed mainly to the Ayrton Senna Complex, one of Brazil's largest automotive factories. The plant currently produces models such as Kwid, Kardian, and will now add Geely vehicles to its assembly lines. Renault and Geely already collaborate in South Korea and jointly operate Horse Powertrain, a company dedicated to developing engines and transmissions.

The companies said their objective in Brazil is to "accelerate the development of both brands in the national market," with a specific focus on the transition toward low-emission and zero-emission mobility.

The investment plan includes the introduction, in 2026, of a new Geely mechanical platform known as GEA, designed for hybrid and fully electric powertrains. Two all-new Geely models will begin production next year at the Paraná facility, marking the first time the brand will assemble vehicles in Brazil.

The initiative signals a strategic shift in Brazil's automotive landscape as global manufacturers expand their electrification plans and deepen industrial cooperation in the country.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on November 19, 2025)