“The Grand Koleos is the best in the domestic D-segment SUV category,” said Stephan Deblèze, President of Renault Korea. On the 27th, an interview was conducted with President Deblèze at Renault Korea’s booth in Hall 1 of BEXCO during the Busan Mobility Show.
Born in 1972, Stephan Deblèze joined Renault Group as an engineering manager in 2005. After serving as the Vice President of Product Planning at Dongfeng Renault in 2014, he has been the President of Renault Korea since 2022. Since taking office, he has been working on the Aurora project and has launched the first product, the Grand Koleos, in just two years.
He stated, “The Grand Koleos is a vehicle designed for the Korean customer base. It is equipped with the most powerful hybrid system. As Renault Korea’s first D-segment model, it features an extended wheelbase for enhanced comfort for second-row passengers. We have collaborated with Naver and T-Mobility in infotainment to enhance the convenience for drivers and passengers. This model is the first in its class to feature three 12.3-inch displays: the driver’s instrument cluster, the center display, and one specifically for the front passenger. Data usage on the vehicle’s built-in connectivity is free. Its perfect connectivity can attract younger customers.”
Stephan Deblèze, being an engineer, is well-versed in every intricate detail of this project.
“As an engineer, I am aware of everything regarding the Grand Koleos. It even adopts high-end solutions for the door hinge system. We have meticulously enhanced sound absorption so that Korean customers can enjoy an excellent driving experience. It stands as the best in the D-segment SUV category sold in Korea. The high-performance design trim, the Alpine trim, ensures adequate styling response. I have been heavily involved in ensuring it successfully establishes in the Korean market.”
With the launch of Renault’s Grand Koleos, the domestic D SUV market has entered into a three-way competition. He clearly articulated the strategy.
“We are going with a differentiation strategy. We will present new alternatives to the D-segment customers in Korea. The first is product competitiveness. The E-TECH hybrid offered by Renault allows urban driving in electric mode, is highly efficient, and includes both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Additionally, we utilized superior sound-absorbing materials compared to competitors, and the best ADAS in its class is unmatched. Secondly, for sales and marketing, we will gradually increase the number of large showrooms, such as flagship stores, that offer both sales and customer service. The city showroom located in Starfield Suwon will showcase the advantages of the Grand Koleos.”
He also shared plans regarding the future operation of the Busan plant.
“We will export the Grand Koleos to overseas markets and transform the Busan plant into the global production hub for Renault’s D and E segment vehicles.”
President Deblèze also mentioned plans for importing Renault models produced overseas. He discussed electric vehicle sales.
“We will consider the market conditions next year to possibly bring in the Scenic E-TECH Electric model. Currently, the absolute market share of electric vehicles in Korea is not very high, so it’s not accurate to say that Renault has been late with its electric vehicle sales. We will start selling electric vehicles as needed, tailored to what Korean customers desire.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr