XM3, First Export to Chile... Can It Also Secure European Shipments?

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Renault Samsung Motors' sports utility vehicle (SUV) XM3 is set to make its first overseas export. Attention is focused on whether the export performance, which had struggled since the suspension of Nissan Rogue contract production, can revive.

Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 9th that it will begin overseas export shipments of the XM3 on the 25th. The export destination for the XM3 produced at Renault Samsung Motors' Busan plant is Chile, with the first shipment consisting of 83 units. Renault Samsung Motors plans to export an additional 57 units by the end of the year, totaling 140 XM3 units exported to Chile this year. The XM3 units shipped this time will be primarily used for dealership displays and customer test drives in the Chilean market.

Renault headquarters is considering whether to allocate the European export volume of the XM3 to the Busan plant or the Valladolid plant in Spain. A Renault Samsung Motors official stated, "No countries other than Chile have been decided for XM3 exports yet," adding, "Starting with exports to Chile this year, we plan to make continuous efforts to expand export regions to the global market."

The Busan plant of Renault Samsung Motors had been contract-producing the Nissan Rogue from 2014 until March of this year. The Nissan Rogue production exceeded 100,000 units annually, with 117,560 units in 2015, 136,309 units in 2016, 123,202 units in 2017, and 107,208 units in 2018, accounting for more than half of the Busan plant's export volume.

Lee Hae-jin, Head of Manufacturing at Renault Samsung Motors, said, “We have high expectations for the XM3 as the next-generation export flagship model of the Busan plant following the Nissan Rogue.” He added, “Having proven its potential by successfully launching in the fiercely competitive domestic market with excellent product quality, we will do our best to ensure that the XM3 produced at the Busan plant continues to receive a positive response in overseas markets.”