Renault Samsung Begins Shipping 750 Units of XM3 for First European Export

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Renault Samsung Motors has begun the first shipment of the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) XM3 for export to Europe on the 25th, marking the start of its full-scale overseas market expansion.

Renault Samsung announced on the 28th that it completed the first shipment of a total of 750 XM3 units on the 25th of this month, and these vehicles are scheduled to be exported primarily to major European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. The voyage period for the export volume is about 40 days, and the vehicles are expected to arrive in the European market early next year.

The XM3, which was first introduced domestically among global markets in March this year, recorded cumulative sales of 32,000 units within nine months of its launch, successfully establishing itself in the highly competitive domestic compact SUV market. Subsequently, in September, the Renault Group officially announced that the XM3 produced at Renault Samsung’s Busan plant will be sold in global markets including Europe starting next year.

Renault Samsung XM3 (New Arkana) heading to Europe being loaded / Photo by Renault Samsung

The export name of the XM3 heading to Europe this time has been decided as 'Renault New ARKANA,' with the main powertrains being a 1.3ℓ gasoline direct injection turbo engine and a hybrid. The Renault New ARKANA will target key European markets such as France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Germany, while also expanding sales to regions outside Europe including the Middle East, South America, and Oceania.

The main powertrain, the 1.3ℓ gasoline direct injection turbo engine (TCe 260), is a next-generation downsizing engine jointly developed by the Renault Group and Daimler. It delivers lively driving performance along with excellent efficiency and driving stability, already receiving positive responses in the domestic market. Additionally, the newly introduced hybrid engine is attracting attention as a new powertrain that reflects Renault Group’s eco-friendly future strategy.

Dominique Signora, President of Renault Samsung, said, "As we welcome the new year, we hope that the 'Made in Busan' XM3 heading to Europe and other global markets will become a new hope during these challenging times of COVID-19," adding, "We will further enhance competitiveness to expand XM3 export volumes."

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