Renault and Geely Auto intend to sign an agreement on joint production of hybrid-electric vehicles in South Korea soon. A standalone hybrid vehicle brand will be established for this purpose.
Negotiations have been ongoing since the beginning of the year. Aside from Korea, production will take place in China. The companies have already secured an industrial site and a supply chain there. In return, Renault pledges to assist Geely with entering the market in South Korea and launching production there. Renault has a joint venture with Samsung in Korea where it has been producing cars for more than two decades: per the agreement, Geely will gain access to the same JV.
At first, the two automakers will co-produce the Lynk & Co 01 model featured in our gallery here. It will be available in ICE, full-hybrid and PHEV forms. The former will combine an IC engine rated at 143 PS (141 hp / 105 kW) and an electric motor contributing another 50 PS (49 hp / 37 kW). The latter will offer a combo of 180 PS (178 hp / 132 kW) and 75 PS (74 hp / 55 kW), respectively.