Renault’s Filante SUV will make its debut on January 13th as the brand pushes to compete in South Korea with a luxury model that rivals Genesis, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The new vehicle is part of Renault’s ‘International Game Plan,’ which aims at expanding globally outside Europe.

Despite being based on a Geely-Volvo platform used by popular models like the XC40 SUV, there are no electric options planned for this model. Instead, it will offer four-cylinder petrol and hybrid powertrains similar to those in its smaller Koleos sibling.

The Filante is described as an E-segment luxury vehicle with a lavish interior offering lots of space for second-row passengers. It’ll be built at the Busan facility where Renault has been manufacturing vehicles since partnering with Samsung.

While European customers won’t get to see it, the Filante will provide insights into future design trends and technology that could eventually make their way back home in other models. The lack of availability in Europe is puzzling but likely strategic for market optimization.

The Filante is Renault’s latest attempt at expanding globally, showcasing its ambition to compete with established luxury brands outside of Europe. It’s an interesting move that leaves European customers curious about what’s next from the French automaker.

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The St Petersburg plant was one of Russia’s largest car factories owned by foreign companies before operations were suspended. The factory had a capacity of over 200,000 vehicles annually for both Hyundai and Kia brands.

Hyundai sold the facility to AGR Automotive Group in 2024 for Won140,000 ($97), which is roughly equivalent to selling off an old Sonata. The company had a two-year clause allowing it to repurchase the plant, but that window closes as Russia and Ukraine continue fighting.

With Western sanctions still intact, Hyundai can’t see a path forward for exercising its buyback option or extending the deadline. While negotiations could potentially open up some avenues, the current geopolitical situation makes any such moves unlikely at this time.

The St Petersburg plant had once been a cornerstone for Hyundai’s European operations before the war intervened. It remains to be seen if stability will return enough for such large-scale investments in Russian manufacturing again.

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The Zeekr brand is making waves with its latest move into South Korea, following in the footsteps of BYD and other Chinese EV manufacturers. The company’s decision to partner with established local distributors signals a strategic approach to navigating this new market.

Zeekr’s entry will be spearheaded by the midsize pure-electric SUV Zeekr 7X, which debuted in China last year and has since become one of their best-selling models. With its spacious interior, premium finishes, and high-performance battery system, it’s designed to cater specifically to South Korea’s demand for family-oriented vehicles.

Interestingly, the decision to launch with the Zeekr 7X parallels other automakers who have successfully introduced similar SUVs in this market over recent years. The model’s updated version features a higher 900-volt high-voltage architecture that allows for faster charging speeds and extended range capabilities.

Zeekr’s move into South Korea is also noteworthy because it comes with strong backing from local partners who understand the nuances of the luxury vehicle market there. This strategic partnership will be crucial as Zeekr aims to establish itself alongside well-established brands like Hyundai and Kia in a highly competitive environment.

Zeekr’s entry into South Korea represents an exciting new chapter for both the brand and the country’s automotive landscape. As it continues its expansion efforts, we’ll be watching closely to see how this newcomer stacks up against established players in a fiercely competitive market.

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Owners were treated to a variety of activities, including hammer-strike durability tests that demonstrated the truck’s resilience. They also had the chance to purchase accessories and participate in a lucky draw for prizes. The event concluded with a synchronized light show featuring all Tesla models alongside the 30 Cybertrucks.

Tesla APAC Regional Director Yvonne Chan was present at the event, highlighting the significance of this milestone for both Tesla and South Korea’s EV market. She emphasized how the company is committed to investing in Korea as it continues to grow rapidly.

Seo Young-deuk, President of Tesla Korea, expressed his excitement about the Cybertruck’s arrival, noting that Korea is now the third-largest market for Tesla sales globally. He also mentioned plans to enhance customer experience and support infrastructure growth to accommodate the expanding fleet in South Korea.

This event marks a significant step for Tesla as it continues to expand its presence in South Korea, promising more exciting developments in the future.

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The groundbreaking ceremony for the campus took place in January 2025. The Hyundai Group is investing approximately 700 million euros into this project to establish an advanced battery research and development infrastructure. This new facility will be the first of its kind within the group, focusing on next-generation batteries.

Hyundai’s existing R&D centers in Namyang and Uiwang have been dedicated to initial cell design and process technologies. In contrast, the Future Mobility Battery Campus aims to extend this research by conducting continuous process validation under real production conditions using state-of-the-art equipment.

The campus will focus on several key areas including replication of battery cell production processes, integrated testing environments for iterative validation, lifecycle testing across all stages from cells to vehicle integration, and development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the facility aims to integrate digital tools and AI-driven technologies to enhance precision and efficiency.

This ambitious project underscores Hyundai’s commitment to advancing battery technology, positioning the company at the forefront of the global EV market. The Future Mobility Battery Campus is expected to significantly contribute to the development of next-generation batteries.

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