XM3 Early Surge, Pre-Orders Exceed 6,000... Bright Outlook for 40,000 Domestic Sales This Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Renault Samsung Motors' new sports utility vehicle (SUV) 'XM3' has surpassed 6,000 pre-orders as of the 4th. At this pace, Renault Samsung Motors' annual sales target of 40,000 units is expected to proceed smoothly.

On the 5th, at the XM3 launch event held at the Seoul Wave Art Center, Choi Byung-wook, Renault Samsung Motors' Product Marketing Manager, stated, "The number of pre-orders for the XM3 has reached 6,000," adding, "76% of the pre-order customers are male, indicating strong preference among men."

Previously, Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 4th that 5,500 units had been pre-ordered. According to this, an additional 500 contracts were made in just one day.

The success of the XM3 is attributed to its premium design, new downsizing turbo engine, and reasonable pricing aimed at young customers.

The XM3's silhouette, crafted by the lowest body height (1570mm) and the highest minimum ground clearance (186mm) in its class, is sleek like a sedan yet sturdy like an SUV. The sufficiently secured minimum ground clearance not only suits the SUV's exterior but also provides a wide driving view.

The XM3 is equipped with two gasoline engine lineups: the high-performance 'TCe 260' and the economical '1.6 GTe.' However, changes to the powertrain have not yet been decided. A Renault Samsung Motors official said, "Nothing has been decided yet regarding powertrain changes," adding, "We will decide after observing the response to the current model."

Renault Samsung Motors is the only domestic automaker to have established an online subscription channel. The company plans to significantly expand such online channels in the future.

The price ranges from 17.19 million to 21.4 million KRW for the 1.6 GTe, and from 20.83 million to 25.32 million KRW for the TCe 260 (based on a 1.5% individual consumption tax).

A Renault Samsung Motors official stated, "Our internal target for this year is 40,000 units," adding, "Efforts related to exports are also ongoing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.