With 34 iconic models, the mega party for the 70 years of the factory that marks the pulse of the automotive industry

Brand Studio for Renault Argentina

Before, Renault 4, Torino, Renault Fuego … and so many others. Now, Renault Sandero, Renault Kangoo, Renault Alaskan … and more. Among those and these, seven decades of uninterrupted history and production, With more than 3.5 million vehicles manufactured, and 34 models born in their assembly linesmany of them true icons of the industry and part of the cultural DNA of Argentina. And the wheel does not stop turning.

Undisputed reference of the national industry and productive heart of Renault Argentinaturns 70 years old Santa Isabel factorya key pillar of Argentine automotive history: it was The first complete cycle factory in the country, from the print of the sheet metals to the finished vehicle. Today is the factory that produces the most models in national territory: Renault Sandero, Renault Stepway, Renault Logan, Renault Kangoo (in its passenger and van versions), leader of the utilitarian segment for more than 23 years, and Renault Alaskan.

With an outstanding call, Santa Isabel factory celebrated its 70th anniversary with a mega party that had among its hosts to Pablo SibillaPresident and general director of Renault Argentina, and the presence of renowned guests: among others, Thierry CharvetChief Industry & Quality Officer, Renault Group; Luiz Fernando PedrucciCeo Renault America Latin America; and the France ambassador to Argentina, Romain Nadal.

“We are celebrating 70 years of history together with the Argentines, with all this exhibition of historical vehicles, 34 models, on this red carpet because we really wanted to give it the importance it deserves. Celebrating it is to recognize the effort, passion and ability to overcome those who made and make possible Santa Isabel factory. This anniversary is not only a tribute to our legacy, but also an impulse towards the future, ”he said Pablo Sibilla.

Santa Isabel factory He witnessed transcendental productive milestones, until he positioned among the most advanced factories of the Renault group globally. Since its inauguration, this industrial center that today uses more than 2,100 people has produced 34 models, many of them true Argentine flags.

Renault deployed a great red carpet to honor the models that fell in love – and fall in love – the Argentinesa tour that not only allowed to revive its valuable legacy, but also highlight the evolution and transformation of the brand with its vision of the future.

Chronologically located, the Jeep IKA (first vehicle produced in the factory), stagnant, Kaiser Carabela, Baqueano, Gordini, Bergantín, Ramble Ambassador, Gladiator, Renault 4, Renault 6, Renault 12, Renault 18, Coupé Renault Fuego, Renault 11, Renault Traffic, Renault 9, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Clio, Renault Symbol, Renault Fluence, Renault Clio Mio and the six models that are currently manufactured at the plant adorned the path that carried to a tent where the concept of the Pick-Up Niagara was located, the next model that will be manufactured in Santa Isabel and will revolutionize the market of the hand of Renault.

Without a doubt, Motoring is also a transcendental chapter of these 70 years of history. Therefore, in the section that during the event was named after Competition pole The mythical Coupé Renault Fuego de Juan María Traverso charged prominence, the one that left a mark on each TC2000 competition by the hand of the masterful “skinny”. And also one of the Torino of the Argentine mission, that unforgettable feat of the 84 hours of Nürburgring of 1969.

During the event, recognition plates was delivered to the Traverso family (which was received by his daughter María Paula), and also to the former pilots Oscar “Cacho” Fangio and Oscar Mauricio Franco, both members of the Argentine mission in Nürburgring, highlighting their enormous contribution to Argentine motoring and their link with Renault.

“Santa Isabel factory is an essential pillar for Renault, not only in Argentina, but throughout Latin America. Its trajectory, productive capacity and constant evolution make it a strategic plant for the group globally. Each new project, such as half ton pick-up, reinforces its key role in the supply of the local market and export. Santa Isabel represents innovation and global projection, has a leading role in the future of Renault, “he said Luiz Fernando Pedrucci, CEO of Renault Latin America.

From the investment announcement of 350 million dollars by Renault Argentina, The Córdoba Industrial Center carries out a transformation process to manufacture a half ton pick-up derived from the Niagara Conceptdeveloped by engineers from five countries and whose production will be only in the province of Córdoba.

“The investment for the production of a new twilight pick-up in Santa Isabel factory demonstrates a clear support for the national industry and to the productive potential of Córdoba, reflecting the first 70 years of plant history. This strategic project not only integrates state -of -the -art technology, but also strengthens its export profile, generates more employment, promotes the local value chain and positions the plant as a key actor in the automotive sector both at the regional and global level. 70% of the production of this pick-up will be destined for export”He explained Sibilla.

Right there, and for the first time in Argentina, the Model of the Concept Niagara, the future mid-ton pick-up that will occur in Santa Isabel since 2026 was presented.

On March 12, 1955, on the premises of Santa Isabel, the fundamental stone of the factory was placed, specifying the site of Argentina Kaiser Industries (IKA). On April 27, 1956, just over a year after the beginning of its construction, the factory saw the birth of one of its greatest successes: the Jeep. The story had begun with Henry Kaiser, an American industrialist who, attracted by the industrial development program implemented by the national government, decided to establish a factory in Córdoba.

The reasons that led him to choose this region were two: the presence of the State and Mechanical Institute of the State (IAME) and its network of supplier companies, and the transfer of land by the Nores Martínez family, in what was the Santa Elizabeth stay. Thus IKA was born.

In 1959, a license and technical assistance agreement with the Nationale des Usines Renault marked a milestone in the history of Santa Isabel. This agreement allowed the beginning of the production there of vehicles of the Renault brand. Already in 1967, Renault acquired a shareholding and assumed the administrative management of the group, which allowed the incorporation of the most modern production techniques of the time. In this way, Ika-Renault was born.

In 1975, Renault bought the entire share package and Renault Argentina Sa was foundedthat only for a period of five years (1992-1997) changed its denomination to Ciadaa SA, a local group that assumed responsibility for the industrialization and sale of vehicles, and then again being Renault Argentina SA.

“Every Argentine has a story with Renault and that is why we have made the commercial ‘Argentine stories’, because we understood that there is a strong link between the Argentine public and the brand,” he said Agustín KovarskyMarketing Director of Renault Argentina.

All 2025 will be a year strong emotions for Renault Argentina, as was the celebration gala, which had one of the outstanding moments when the Argentine pilot Franco Colapinto appeared on a giant screen with greetings and a message for the brand and everyone present.

Arnaud Belloni, Global Marketing VP of Renault had announced it, in his recent visit to the country: “Colapinto will be a renault and Alpine ambassador to Latin America, it will be a boost for the brand.” And the BWT Alpine Formula 1 team pilot put his seal of sympathy and naturalness with his words.

Colapinto is not the only figure that accompanies the Rhombus brand in these holidays. The Industrial Center first received Gabriela Sabatini, former tennis player and icon of Argentine sport, as well as an ambassador of the E-Tech brand of Renault.

Renault’s commitment to the environment was also reflected in this celebration with the so -called Sustainability pole. There were the ESG policies of the plant and its positive impact on the community. And a special initiative was highlighted: the exhibition of a model of the Santa Isabel factory, designed and carried out in collaboration with RASTI.

This representation of the plant was built with more than 15,000 pieces of rasti bricks and developed by people with intellectual disabilities who work in protected workshops. It was a symbol about Renault’s commitment to sustainability, but also its support for social inclusion and development.

Throughout his seven decades, Santa Isabel has not only witnessed Renault’s productive evolution in the country, but also of a significant cultural change in the automotive industry. Today, 21% of the team is made up of women and 17% of the plant’s operators perform key roles in production, demonstrating the progress towards greater diversity in the sector.

“Renault is the brand that has the largest circulating park in our country. We see current and also iconic models that circulate in our country, but our vision of companies is completely renewing, providing new technologies, launching new models and we are in the midst of a total transformation of our product range. In these last two years, 2024 and 2025, we will be launching ten new products ”hill Valentina SolariCommercial Director of Renault Argentina.