The Brazilian Ayrton Senna Renault complex turns 25

Inaugurated in 1998, the Ayrton Senna complex in Curitiba, Brazil, is named after the legendary Brazilian driver, three-time Formula 1 World Champion.

Organized into two production units dedicated to passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles, the Renault Ayrton Senna complex employs more than 5,300 employees. The year 2023 marks a turning point with the integration of the mechanical and foundry plant at HORSE, a Renault Group subsidiary dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and supplying the next generation of hybrid and low-emission thermal powertrains. Over the past twenty-five years, more than 3.5 million vehicles and over 5 million engines have been produced on these lines, serving both local and international markets.

 In 1998, the launch of Renault Scénic revolutionized the Brazilian automotive landscape. Each subsequent year has been marked by significant milestones, from the arrival of Clio in 1999, to the opening of the mechanical plant the same year, and the emergence of the Mégane era.

The 2000s saw expansion into light commercial vehicles with the introduction of the Master, affirming Brazil’s strategic position in Renault’s global growth. The launch of Renault Sandero and Logan in 2007 strengthened the brand’s presence in the Brazilian market. As you read it, in Brazil and much of the world, Dacia models are rebadged as Renault to benefit from the brand’s reputation associated with the diamond badge.

2011 was marked by the production of the millionth vehicle, the introduction of the Renault Duster, and the launch of Oroch in 2015, Renault’s first pickup in Brazil. The range was expanded with Captur in 2017 and the launch of Kwid, the city mini SUV which won 29 awards from the Brazilian automotive press. The year 2019 saw the launch of several models, including Sandero, Logan, Sandero R.S., and Stepway, as well as Kwid Outsider. In 2022, the entire lineup was renewed with new versions of Kwid, Master, Oroch, and Duster.

In 2023, a new era begins with the announcement of the new strategy Renault International Game Plan 2027. The Ayrton Senna complex will thus be tasked with producing two new vehicles, Renault Kardian and a new segment C SUV.

By the end of 2023, all electric energy powering the factories will come from a clean photovoltaic source, a goal already 85% achieved. Last July, the site marked a new era by operating a 50 MW solar park within the Castilho photovoltaic site.