Renault CEO Luca de Meo: No Immediate Plans to Re-enter China's Vehicle Sales Market

[International Strategy] Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo clearly stated that the company will not return to selling complete vehicles in the Chinese market in the short term, but will deeply integrate China’s supply chain to support its global operations.

Core Strategic Shift: Leveraging China’s Supply Chain to Sell Vehicles Globally

During his January 2026 trip to Shanghai, de Meo emphasized that the traditional automotive business model reliant on economies of scale has come to an end, and the key to future success lies in “learning the China speed.” During this visit, he held intensive meetings with numerous Chinese suppliers and technology companies to enhance Renault’s cost and technological competitiveness in global markets.

Strategic Foundation: China’s Role Shifts from Sales Market to Manufacturing Hub

Although Renault exited China’s passenger vehicle market in 2020, its strategic focus on China far exceeds public perception. De Meo has visited China once every three to four months—significantly more frequently than peers like Elon Musk. Renault is collaborating with Chinese partners (such as Geely) to position China as the core global hub for electric vehicles and components, rather than merely a local sales market.