XM3 Embarks on Full-Scale Export... Will It Become Renault Samsung's Savior?

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Renault Samsung Motors' strategic new car of the year, XM3, is embarking on full-scale export. Based on its strong performance in the domestic market, it is attracting attention as a key vehicle to revitalize the Busan plant in the future. Renault Samsung Motors also plans to focus on nurturing the XM3 as a savior to overcome management difficulties.

According to Renault Samsung Motors on the 23rd, 104 units of the XM3 had been exported by September. Exports of the XM3 began in July. The first export destination was Chile, with an initial shipment volume of 83 units, and there are plans to export an additional 57 units by the end of the year.

Starting with Chile, the XM3, which opened the export route, confirmed its entry into Europe last month. Accordingly, the XM3 will be sold mainly in Europe under the name ‘Renault New ARKANA’ and plans to expand its market later to Chile, Japan, Australia, and others. The New ARKANA is newly established as a global market targeting model and differs significantly from the existing Russia domestic-only model Arkana in many aspects including platform, engine, and multimedia system. The main powertrains of the New ARKANA are hybrid and 1.3ℓ gasoline direct injection turbo engines.

The decisive reason Renault Group chose the XM3 as a global model is its popularity in Korea. It was verified in the demanding Korean market, and based on this, success in the global market is anticipated. Since its launch, the XM3 has sold 27,607 units over seven months until September, emerging as a key model driving the brand’s performance.

Additionally, the XM3 is a model that reveals Renault Samsung Motors’ changed strategy. The direction is to catch both domestic and export markets with a single new car. Renault Samsung Motors put a lot of effort into the XM3 for this purpose. They improved the driving feel, which is often considered a drawback of sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and devoted great care to the design.

Also, it is equipped with the TCe 260, a downsized 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline turbo engine jointly developed by Renault and Daimler, applying Renault’s latest technology to boast high efficiency not only in performance but also in economy. A Renault Samsung Motors official explained, "According to our own survey, 94% of all customers who purchased the vehicle said they made their final purchase decision after a test drive, indicating very high satisfaction with the actual driving comfort," adding, "We enhanced the model’s value further through convenience features rarely seen in the same class."