Renault Korea, Kakao Mobility team up to develop next-generation mobility services

Renault Korea has joined forces with Kakao Mobility to develop next-generation vehicle services targeting the software-defined vehicle era. The two companies plan to jointly develop core future mobility technologies — including high-definition maps, advanced driver assistance systems and in-vehicle infotainment — to accelerate innovation in the vehicle experience.

Renault Korea announced Wednesday that it had signed an MOU with Kakao Mobility for next-generation vehicle experience innovation. The agreement aims to combine Renault Korea's vehicle platform with Kakao Mobility's mobility technology and software capabilities to create new vehicle experiences and mobility services.

Areas of cooperation include developing and validating HD map and software technologies for ADAS implementation, advancing next-generation in-vehicle infotainment and connectivity services, and identifying customer experiences suited to the future mobility environment.

Renault Korea President Nicolas Paré said the agreement marks "a starting point for collaboration to jointly create new customer experiences and innovative services befitting the SDV era," adding that the company would "continue to deliver innovative services embodying a 'human first' philosophy by combining Renault Korea's vehicle development expertise with our partner's capabilities."

The two companies had previously unveiled their potential partnership at NextRise 2026, a startup fair held at COEX in Seoul on June 19.

At the event, Renault Korea displayed a next-generation mobility concept car based on its Grand Koleos SUV, featuring Kakao Mobility technology. The vehicle showcased a Kakao T taxi driver app accessible directly through the openR panorama screen without a separate terminal, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system for second-row passengers. HD map technology and mobility data applications were also demonstrated, offering a glimpse of the companies' vision for future vehicle services.

The MOU extends Renault Korea's ongoing open innovation strategy. The automaker has been stepping up collaboration with domestic ICT companies and startups to build a future mobility ecosystem.

The company currently offers services through its Filante platform, including R:Rush, an AI-generated music-based service, and R:Racing, an extended reality game using the vehicle's front camera. Renault Korea said it plans to continue expanding the development of innovative vehicle services through partnerships with a range of companies.

Meanwhile, Renault Korea plans to begin producing next-generation Renault electric vehicles at its Busan factory from 2028, alongside building a domestic EV battery supply chain to strengthen production competitiveness.

In addition, the company aims to launch its first SDV in 2027 and accelerate the transition to autonomous driving Level 2++ and AI-defined vehicles, while cutting the development timeline from concept approval to production start to within two years.