Renault Korea Sells 15,154 Units in May... "Effective in Deriving Export Alternatives"

Renault Korea Motors announced on the 1st that it sold a total of 15,154 units in May, including 13,376 units exported and 1,778 units sold domestically.

Exports recorded 13,376 units, an increase of 175.1% compared to the same period last year. The XM3 (export name Renault Arkana) saw exports of 11,582 units in May alone, including additional shipments using container ships for the April backlog, marking a 167.1% increase compared to the same period last year.

The XM3, exported to over 60 countries worldwide, has shown steady export growth with 909 units in 2020, 56,719 units in 2021, 99,166 units in 2022, and 37,804 units up to May 2023. However, since the second half of last year, it has faced difficulties in export logistics due to a shortage of dedicated car carriers and a sharp rise in maritime freight costs.

Renault Korea, with the help of various government agencies, devised an alternative export method using container ships. The logistics quality of the container ship export plan was verified over about two months.

Starting in May, about 10% of XM3 export volumes began shipping via container ships. By applying a new method of loading three XM3 units per container, export logistics costs per vehicle were reduced by approximately 10%. This created a breakthrough to continue the export growth trend.

In the export market in May, Renault Korea also recorded 1,794 units of the QM6 (export name Renault Koleos), a 257.4% increase compared to last year. Since 2016, cumulative exports have reached 151,351 units, setting a record of over 150,000 units exported.

In the domestic market, Renault Korea sold 135 units of the Quest model, 827 units of the mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) QM6, and 174 units of the mid-size sedan SM6. The coupe-style SUV XM3, equipped with a diverse engine lineup, sold a total of 777 units, including 124 units of the E-TECH hybrid, 99 units of the 1.3L turbo gasoline engine TCe 260, and 554 units of the 1.6 GTe.

The XM3 has been favored by consumers who prefer advanced convenience and safety features, as well as luxurious interior and emotional quality, with the RE and higher trims accounting for about 85% of sales.