Difference between nouveau and neuf

Question

Asked to translate, “L’Oréal are selling a new product,” the correct answer given is “L'Oréal vend un nouveau produit” I assume that this product is new on the market, in other words a new creation. Why then is the correct answer not, “produit neuf”?

Accepted Answer

Hi Alan, 
You will use 'neuf' for something 'brand new' in other words it has not belonged to anyone else.
So when a company launches a new product, it is new in the sense that it is different from all the others.

Renault sort un nouveau modèle électrique cette année = Renault is launching a new electric model this year 
J'ai acheté une Renault Zoë neuve = I have bought a brand new Renault Zoë

Take a look at the following lesson with lots more examples -
Neuf vs nouveau to say new in French
Hope this helps !