Renault Korea (CEO Nicolas Paris) unveiled the Aurora Project's second model, the global flagship crossover "Filante (FILANTE)", for the first time in the world on the 13th at the Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin District, Seoul. The first was the popular Grand Koleos. The Renault Filante is characterized by a bold, charismatic design, an interior space with a premium tech lounge concept, and a further upgraded hybrid E-Tech powertrain.
Fabrice Cambolive, Renault Group's chief growth officer and Renault brand CEO, also attended the new car unveiling event, and CEO Cambolive also gave a separate interview to Korean media representatives.
CEO Fabrice Cambolive cited "innovation in design" as Filante's distinguishing feature.
CEO Fabrice Cambolive said, "The differentiating element of this car lies in the innovation of its design. From the body type to the detailed design, the overall engineering is the key differentiating point. The core technology that Korean customers and Renault have consistently focused on is hybrid. Renault, while being a French brand, also possesses a 'Korean sensibility' based on its understanding of the Korean market. Filante can sufficiently appeal to customers who want Korean elements but expect a different kind of differentiation, and it is expected to be competitive with a broad range of customers who embrace both Korean sensibility and global tastes."
When asked about Filante's export target markets, CEO Fabrice Cambolive said, "Renault has formalized plans to launch a total of eight new cars through its international game plan. Starting with the Latin American and Turkish markets and showcasing models such as the Grand Koleos, we have expanded operations to about 20 export markets. Filante is the fifth new car in that strategy, and Korea will have two of the eight models. By utilizing the CMA platform, various design attempts became possible, and we plan to target all Middle Eastern countries, Asia, and Mediterranean coastal countries as key target markets."
When asked about Renault's stance on future technologies such as SDV, autonomous driving, and the combination of vehicles and AI, he replied, "The core experience of being in a vehicle is the process of interaction and immersion between the vehicle and its occupants. It provides differentiated experiences to all passengers, including co-passengers, and immersive content experiences combined with driving environments, such as games, are also possible. When a specific mode is activated, Filante learns the driver's driving tendencies and, based on that, suggests the optimal driving mode and driving patterns. Also, through the "Tips" function, if you ask a vehicle-related question, guidance is provided via the center display. These functions are implemented based on SDV architecture and have great potential for future expansion."
Regarding plans for the Busan plant's operations, he said, "Filante will begin production at the Busan plant and then enter the global market. Future models to be released will also be produced at the Busan plant to serve both the domestic and export markets. Through the success of the Grand Koleos, we gained the confidence to try new things across all segments, and Filante is a symbolic model that challenges a new form of crossover. This combination, which provides the comfort of a sedan and the dynamic driving feel of an SUV at the same time, is a differentiated experience that only Renault can offer."
A question was also raised about the advantages of collaboration with Korea.
CEO Fabrice Cambolive said, "The international game plan identified five key countries, and among them Korea is a particularly important region. First, it has the market capacity to expand into the premium segment. Second, it is suitable for applying and verifying high-level connectivity technologies. Third, based on tariff advantages, it is easy to enter other countries. Considering these factors together, Korea is evaluated as the most essential hub."
Comparisons with the Grand Koleos were also of interest.
CEO Fabrice Cambolive replied, "Looking at Renault's performance in the Korean market up to last year, each new car launch has left customers with a fresh impression. The Arkana surprised the market with a new form as a crossover, and the Grand Koleos achieved differentiation by emphasizing the charm of a classic SUV. Filante is expected to be a model that surprises customers once again in a higher segment. I believe it has advantages in both comfort and dynamism compared with competing segments through a new design and a body type that combines the strengths of sedans and SUVs."
[OSEN]