Renault Samsung, XM3 New Model Effect Drives 9% Year-on-Year Sales Increase in March

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 1st that it sold a total of 15,100 units in March, with 12,012 units sold domestically and 3,088 units exported. In particular, the new car XM3, launched in the domestic market, gained popularity, leading to a 9.5% increase in total sales in March compared to the same period last year.

The XM3, which combines the advantages of sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), drove performance by selling a total of 5,581 units since its launch on the 9th of last month.

As of the end of March, the XM3 has recorded a cumulative total of 17,263 contracts. Among these, the top trim TCe 260 RE Signature accounts for 74% of all contracts. Additionally, 45.7% of all contract holders are young people in their 20s and 30s.

The QM6, which has established itself as Renault Samsung’s representative model, followed the XM3 with 5,008 units sold, marking a 74.4% increase in performance compared to the same period last year. The SM6 showed signs of recovery with 1,147 units sold in March, a 56.9% increase from the previous month.

The SM3 Z.E., the only sedan-type electric vehicle in the domestic market, sold 81 units in March, supported by Renault Samsung Motors’ special purchase subsidy of 6 million KRW and its spacious yet comfortable interior. This figure represents a 15.7% increase compared to the previous year.

The newly introduced facelift model 'New Renault Master,' launched on the 16th of last month, recorded 172 units delivered, with cumulative sales of 335 units from January to March. The New Renault Master significantly improved overall product quality, including near-new-level interior and exterior design and convenience features. It also features enhanced high-speed straight-line stability through the newly applied crosswind correction function (minimizing lane departure caused by side winds during high-speed straight driving) in addition to existing safety features such as three-point seat belts on all seats.

Meanwhile, March export performance showed a decline overall. Nissan Rogue for North American export shipped 1,433 units, down 75.2% compared to the same period last year. QM6 (export name Koleos) increased by 6% year-on-year to 1,566 units, while Renault Twizy exports decreased by 38.2% month-on-month to 89 units.